[51][52][53][54] According to the 2016 World Health Organization Global Urban Ambient Air Pollution Database,[55] the annual average PM2.5 concentration in 2014 was 24 micrograms per cubic metre (1.0×10−5 gr/cu ft), which is 2.4 times higher than that recommended by the WHO Air Quality Guidelines[56] for the annual mean PM2.5. [89] Hwanghak-dong Flea Market and Janganpyeong Antique Market also offer antique products. Seoul is divided into 25 gu (Korean: 구; Hanja: 區) (district). After many centuries of destruction and rebuilding, about ⅔ of the wall remains, as well as six of the original eight gates. As of 2012[update], Seoul has hosted Ultra Music Festival Korea, an annual dance music festival that takes place on the 2nd weekend of June.[120]. [29] In the late 19th century, after hundreds of years of isolation, Seoul opened its gates to foreigners and began to modernize. The Seoul metropolitan area is supported by a relatively large Metro transportation network, consisting of 9 lines and 270 stations, the total length of which reaches 312 km. There are also religious buildings that take important roles in Korean society and politics. I've never been late for school. Metropolitan population: 25,000,000. [39] The river is no longer actively used for navigation, because its estuary is located at the borders of the two Koreas, with civilian entry barred. Seoul World Cup Stadium hosted the opening ceremony and first game of the tournament. [122] Seoul's most important streetcar line ran along Jongno until it was replaced by Line 1 of the subway system in the early 1970s. Im planning to go but im not sure how much money to get. Yoido Full Gospel Church is a Pentecostal church affiliated with the Assemblies of God on Yeouido in Seoul. In 2008 the Worldwide Centers of Commerce Index ranked Seoul No.9. Since the opening of Incheon International, Gimpo International handles domestic flights along with some short haul international flights to Tokyo Haneda, Osaka Kansai, Taipei Songshan, Shanghai Hongqiao, and Beijing Capital. Seoul's bus system is operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government (S.M.G. Its system dates back to the era of the Korean Empire, when the first streetcar lines were laid and a railroad linking Seoul and Incheon was completed. Incheon International Airport opened terminal 2 on January 18, 2018. The Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA) suffered from severe congestion and auto-related pollution in the early 2000s. Across the Han River are the newer and wealthier areas of Gangnam District, Seocho District and surrounding neighborhoods. Seoul hosted the 1986 Asian Games, also known as Asiad, 1988 Olympic Games, and Paralympic Games. Temperatures below −20 °C (−4 °F) have been recorded. The nationwide outbreak was being driven by clusters of infections in the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area, he said, home to around half of the country’s 52 million residents. The metro area population of Seoul in 2019 was 9,962,000, a 0.01% decline from 2018. For example, the Seoul Electric Company, Seoul Electric Trolley Company, and Seoul Fresh Spring Water Company were all joint Korean–U.S. Seoul's most well-known football club is FC Seoul. Each subway line has a designated color to aid passengers in using the subway with ease. Unlike most place names in Korea, "Seoul" has no corresponding hanja (Chinese characters used in the Korean language). For God and country", "Geographical Features of Social Polarization in Seoul, South Korea", "Hot Spots 2025: Benchmarking the Future Competitiveness of Cities", "The primacy of Seoul and the capital region", "It's official: Jinro soju is the world's best-selling liquor", "Neon shines brightly during the bustle on Yeouido stock street", "Yongsan Electronics Market, Asia's largest IT shopping mall", "50 reasons why Seoul is world's greatest city", "KOREA: Future is now for Korean info-tech", "Tech capitals of the world – Technology", akamai's [state of the internet] Q4 2016 report, "Hi Seoul, SOUL OF ASIA – Seoul Located In the Center of Asian Metropolises", "Seoul's Cheonggyecheon Stream symbolizes Korea's past, present and tomorrow", "Sungnyemun to open to great fanfare after more than five years of renovation", "Expanded Operation of Seoul Bike "Ddareungi, South Korea cities with a 200,000+ population, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Seoul&oldid=991214784, Special Cities and Metropolitan Cities of South Korea, Pages with non-numeric formatnum arguments, Articles with Korean-language sources (ko), Articles with dead external links from September 2018, Wikipedia indefinitely move-protected pages, Wikipedia indefinitely semi-protected pages, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using multiple image with auto scaled images, Articles containing Japanese-language text, Articles containing Chinese-language text, Articles containing simplified Chinese-language text, Articles containing traditional Chinese-language text, Articles needing additional references from January 2009, All articles needing additional references, Articles with unsourced statements from May 2020, Articles with unsourced statements from September 2010, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2012, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2010, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2009, Wikipedia articles with MusicBrainz area identifiers, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Source: Korea Meteorological Administration, This page was last edited on 28 November 2020, at 22:18. [107] The palaces are considered exemplary architecture of the Joseon period. In Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site, Gangdong District, neolithic remains were excavated and accidentally discovered by a flood in 1925.[106]. [83] It also hosts food giants like Seoul Dairy Cooperative, Nongshim Group, Ottogi, CJ, Orion, Maeil Holdings, Namyang Dairy Products and Lotte. The next highest group consisted of the 9,999 United States citizens who were not of Korean ancestry. [55] As of 2014, the annual average PM10 concentration was still at least twice than that recommended by the WHO Air Quality Guidelines. Three new modern landmarks of Seoul are Dongdaemun Design Plaza & Park, designed by Zaha Hadid, the new wave-shaped Seoul City Hall, by Yoo Kerl of iArc, and the Lotte World Tower, the 5th tallest building in the world designed by Kohn Pederson Fox. With more than 8 million passengers per day, the subway has one of the busiest subway systems in the world and the largest in the world, with a total track length of 940 km (580 mi). [35], Until 1972, Seoul was claimed by North Korea as its de jure capital, being specified as such in Article 103 of the 1948 North Korean constitution. Changdeok Palace, one of the five royal palaces during Joseon Dynasty. [125] Students spend six years in elementary school, three years in middle school, and three years in high school. Reduced Service Hours: Metro Service Ends at 12:00 a.m. Now. Tancheon stream and the nearby area serve as a large park with paths for both walkers and cyclists. The Three Kingdoms of Korea strove to take control of this land, where the river was used as a trade route to China (via the Yellow Sea). Seoul has been surrounded by walls that were built to regulate visitors from other regions and protect the city in case of an invasion. The Seoul Express Bus Terminal, Central City Terminal and Seoul Nambu Terminal are located in the district of Seocho District. Seoul metropolitan subway line 1 was built during 1971-74 and opened to public on 15 August 1974. The Independence Gate was built in 1897 to inspire an independent spirit. more. [99][100] Since 2015, Seoul has provided free Wi-Fi access in outdoor spaces through a 47.7 billion won ($44 million) project with Internet access at 10,430 parks, streets and other public places. It is also the 4th highest building in the world. This article is about the capital city of South Korea. In this way the Roman Catholic Church has a very strong influence in Korean society. Population: ~ 10,000,000. SEOUL, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- South Korea will raise its social-distancing rules to the third-highest level for two weeks from Tuesday through Dec. 7 in the Seoul metropolitan area amid the soaring COVID-19 cases in the capital area. Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education comprises 235 College-Preparatory High Schools, 80 Vocational Schools, 377 Middle Schools, and 33 Special Education Schools as of 2009[update]. Public transportation in the SMA consisted of the Metro (subway train) and bus transit. Its 1st Seoul Metropolitan Air Quality Improvement Plan (2005–2014) focused on improving the concentrations of PM10 and nitrogen dioxide by reducing emissions. Beside the palaces, Unhyeongung is known for being the royal residence of Regent Daewongun, the father of Emperor Gojong at the end of the Joseon Dynasty. In 2015, it was designated as a Seoul Future Heritage. and most important: NO ADS at ALL !! Seoul Station was opened in 1900 as Gyeongseong Station. The main palace, Gyeongbokgung, underwent a large-scale restoration project. Although there is a test for non-high school graduates, called school qualification exam, most Koreans take the test. [108] Located near the gates are the traditional markets and largest shopping center, Namdaemun Market and Dongdaemun Market. If you lost your mobile signal this app will still work ! The Seoul Capital Area (SCA), Sudogwon (Template:Ko-hhrm, [sudoɡwʌn]) or Gyeonggi region (Template:Ko-hhrm) is the metropolitan area of Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi-do located in north-west South Korea. [113][114], The War Memorial, one of nine municipal museums in Seoul, offers visitors an educational and emotional experience of various wars in which Korea was involved, including Korean War themes. Bukchon Hanok Village and Namsangol Hanok Village are old residential districts consisting of hanok Korean traditional houses, parks, and museums that allows visitors to experience traditional Korean culture. [72], Seoul is home to the world's largest modern university founded by a Buddhist Order, Dongguk University. [36], According to 2012 census data, the population of the Seoul area makes up around 20% of the total population of South Korea,[37] Seoul has become the economic, political and cultural hub of the country,[24] with several Fortune Global 500 companies, including Samsung, SK Holdings, Hyundai, POSCO and LG Group headquartered there.[38]. "Changes in Seoul's Air Quality Control Policy". UNICEF defines metropolitan area as follows: . Gu of Seoul consist of 423 administrative dongs (행정동) in total. [67] As of 2015, the population was 9.86 million,[68] in 2012, it was 10.44 million. email. Close COVID-19 information. First time going solo and I made it. This was an 8.84% increase from the end of 2010 and a 12.85% increase from June 2010. 1st Seoul Metropolitan Air Quality Improvement Plan. Seoul is the business and financial hub of South Korea. The Seoul Metropolitan Subway distinguishes the fare that its passengers have to pay on the basis of three separate categories. It is now responsible for major international flights. Seoullo Painting in Seoul Metro 1001 Train Seoul Transportation Corporation dba Seoul … Enjoy the highlights of the DMZ and get back to Seoul in time for lunch on a guided group tour. One of the most famous parks is Namsan Park, which offers recreational hiking and views of the downtown Seoul skyline. In October 2012 KBS Hall in Seoul hosted major international music festivals – First ABU TV and Radio Song Festivals within frameworks of Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union 49th General Assembly. Most major South Korean cities are linked via the KTX high-speed train, which has a normal operation speed of more than 300 km/h (186 mph). Considered to be a global city, Seoul was the world's 4th largest metropolitan economy in 2014 after Tokyo, New York City and Los Angeles. The traditional heart of Seoul is the old Joseon dynasty city, now the downtown area, where most palaces, government offices, corporate headquarters, hotels, and traditional markets are located. The Seoul National Capital Area also contains a green belt aimed at preventing the city from sprawling out into neighboring Gyeonggi Province. [90][91] Some shops for local designers have opened in Samcheong-dong, where numerous small art galleries are located. Also in Gangnam District is the COEX Mall, a large indoor shopping and entertainment complex. Notable food and beverage companies include Jinro, whose soju is the most sold alcoholic drink in the world, beating out Smirnoff vodka;[82] top selling beer producers Hite (merged with Jinro) and Oriental Brewery. [31], Much of the development was due to trade with foreign countries like France and the United States. Electronics markets are Gangbyeon station metro line 2 Techno mart, ENTER6 MALL & Shindorim station Technomart mall complex. Taking a ride on subway is a fast, convenient and cheap way to get around in Seoul and reach any area of the city. Seoul is among the world leaders in Internet connectivity, being the capital of South Korea, which has the world's highest fibre-optic broadband penetration and highest global average internet speeds of 26.1 Mbit/s. [20] Ancient Gyeongju was also known in documents by the Chinese-style name Geumseong (金城, literally "Gold Castle or City" or "Metal Castle or City"), but it is unclear whether the native Korean-style name Seorabeol had the same meaning as Geumseong. Among the city's national museum, The National Museum of Korea is the most representative of museums in not only Seoul but all of South Korea. Being in the extreme east Asia, the climate can be described as humid continental with great variation of the precipitation throughout the year and warm to hot summer (Dwa, by 0 °C isoterm). [57], Since the early 1960s, the Ministry of Environment has implemented a range of policies and air pollutant standards to improve and manage air quality for its people. The metropolis exerts a major influence in global affairs as one of the five leading hosts of global conferences. Korea World Trade Center Complex, which comprises COEX mall, congress center, 3 Inter-continental hotels, Business tower (Asem tower), Residence hotel, Casino and City airport terminal was established in 1988 in time for the Seoul Olympics. The bell signaled the different times of the day and controlled the four major gates to the city. [92] The Gangnam district is one of the most affluent areas in Seoul[92] and is noted for the fashionable and upscale Apgujeong-dong and Cheongdam-dong areas and the COEX Mall. In addition, a flood of refugees had entered Seoul during the war, swelling the population of the city and its metropolitan area to an estimated 1.5 million by 1955. Have your camera ready for an unobstructed view of one of the world's most famous demilitarized zones. [9] In 2017, the cost of living in Seoul was ranked 6th globally.[10][11]. Each line has its own name and designated color, which makes it easy to use this mode of transportation. Major railroad stations include: Seoul is served by two international airports, Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport. [96] Seoul has a very technologically advanced infrastructure.[97][98]. "Korea's policy towards pollution and fine particle: a sense of urgency", "NASA jet gets a sniff of pollution over South Korea", "Regional population density: Asia and Oceania, 2012: Inhabitants per square kilometre, TL3 regions", "Seoul's Population Drops Below 10 Million for First Time in 25 Years", "1.76 million foreigners live in South Korea; 3.4% of population", "Korean Chinese account for nearly 70% of foreigners in Seoul", "South Korean mega-churches. Cycling is becoming increasingly popular in Seoul and in the entire country. Observation Decks & Towers, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Lookouts, Neighbourhoods, Points of Interest & Landmarks, I used to ride the subway every day since I moved house, It was clean, fast and the timeline was so clear. Gyeongbokgung, the main royal palace during Joseon Dynasty. Ex-Kepco head office building was purchased by Hyundai motor group with 9billion USD to build 115-storey Hyundai GBC & hotel complex until 2021. Royal Throne in Geunjeongjeon, inside Gyeongbok Palace. Seoul Subway Metro Map 2018. Seoul Olympic Park, located in Songpa District and built to host the 1988 Summer Olympics is Seoul's largest park. Although Buddhism was suppressed by the Joseon state, it has continued its existence. It opened to the public in April 2017. [24] After Joseon changed her name to the Korean Empire in 1897, Hwangseong also designated Seoul. [42] Summers are generally hot and humid, with the East Asian monsoon taking place from June until September. In 2010 Seoul was designated the World Design Capital for the year.[109]. These gates include Sungnyemun and Heunginjimun, commonly known as Namdaemun (South Great Gate) and Dongdaemun (East Great Gate). Seoul has many large intercity/express bus terminals. The Seoul Metropolitan Subway began operation in … Only for the Seoul Metropolitan Area (KRW 55,000) Use up to 60 times within 30 days after purchase; Prepaid tickets are valid only for Seoul Metro Lines 1 ~ 9 and for rail sections operated by KORAIL and AREX within the Seoul area. [65] Dong are also sub-divided into 13,787 tong (통; 統), which are further divided into 102,796 ban in total. Seoul has a well developed transportation network. And Yakhyeon Catholic Church in Jungnim-dong, Jung District is first Catholic parish in Korea. Wholesale markets include Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market and Garak Market. [24] When Joseon replaced Goryeo, the capital was moved to Seoul (also known as Hanyang or Hanseong), where it remained until the fall of the dynasty. [28] During the Joseon dynasty, the gates were opened and closed each day, accompanied by the ringing of large bells at the Bosingak belfry.