International Affairs Office

Seoul

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Seoul

City Information

Seoul (Korea:서울, MC: Seoul, MR: Sŏul; Korean pronunciation: [sʌ.ul New Ulm), or the Seoul Special City (formal), is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Korea. Seoul is located 37.34° N and 126.59° E, close to the Yellow Sea. The city has a total area of 605.2 kilometer and a population of 9,962,000 (2019, UNdata).

Over the last decade Seoul has worked hard to soften its industrial hard edges into an
appealing urban ideal of parks, culture and design. Glass, concrete and steel are crafted into natural forms at the spectacular Dongdaemun Design Plaza & Park and City Hall. The popularity of the beautifully landscaped parks alongside the central Cheong-gye stream and the Han River has spurred on the creation of more green spaces and cycle routes. Join Seoulites enjoying time out shopping in stylish boutiques and drinking at cool cafes and convivial bars.

Whatever you want, at any time of day or night, Seoul can provide. An early-morning temple visit can lead to a palace tour followed by tea-sipping in Bukchon and gallery-hopping in Samcheong-dong. Soju (a vodka-like drink) and snacks in a street tent bar will fuel you for shopping at the buzzing Dongdaemun or Namdaemun night markets, partying in Hongdae
or Itaewon, or singing in a self-service karaoke noraebang. Follow this with steaming, soaking and snoozing in a jjimjilbang (sauna and spa). By the time you look at your watch, it will be dawn again.

Public transport is brilliant, so there’s no excuse for not stretching your travel horizons beyond the city limits. The fearsome Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), splitting South from North Korea, exerts a powerful attraction and makes for a compelling day trip. To the west, Incheon is a fascinating port where the modern world came flooding into Korea at the end of the 19th century, and today whose Chinatown and waterfront are still an interesting fusion of people. To the south is Suwon, home to impressive World Heritage–listed fortifications, built by King Jeongjo, that snake 5.7km past majestic gates and pavilions.

History

Located at the heart of the Korean Peninsula, Seoul has always been an important strategic point throughout the centuries in terms of defense and the economy, from one kingdom to the next. The three kingdoms of Baekje, Goguryeo, and Silla (BCE 57 - CE 688) all fought over the area that is now Korea’s capital. Indeed, whichever kingdom claimed Seoul became the dominant power. The Joseon Dynasty (1392 - 1910) declared Seoul its capital, a role that Seoul still playing.

Climate

As the landscape changes throughout the year, Seoul has four seasons: Spring, Summer, Winter and Autumn.

	Seoul's spring begins around March and ends in May. The average temperature is 12.5°C and the atmosphere is extremely dry. The city is filled with a display of cherry blossoms, forsythias, azaleas, and magnolias in this season.
Spring in Seoul – by Republic of Korea via flickr
	It is hot, humid and rainy in summer. There and monsoon rains in June and July and the warmest temperature is approximately 26°C in August. Many people are gathered around Gwanghwamun Square, Hangang (river) and Banpodaegyo (bridge) in Seoul's summer.
Han River – by bikooch
	Seoul's autumn starts in September and lasts to November. The average temperate in this season is 15.6°C. At this time of the year, the city is filled with bright colors and the people prepare for the winter season. It is the harvest season which people celebrate by paying tribute to the ancestral
Seoul's autumn – by the Seoul Metropolitan Government
	As icy air flows from the North, the weather gets cold in this season. The lowest temperature is -0.9°C in Seoul's winter. The days are shorter and nights are long. The public areas all over Seoul open skating rinks.
Seoul's winter – by the Seoul Metropolitan Government

Time zone: Seoul, South Korea (GMT+9)

Currency: The Korean Won (KRW)

Dialing code: +82 2

Public airports: Incheon International Airport (IIA) (IATA: ICN, ICAO: RKSI) and Gimpo Airport (IATA: GMP, formerly SEL, ICAO: RKSS)

Sources: - Seoulgokr. 2018. 서울시 영문. [Online]. [25 December 2018]. Available from: http://english.seoul.go.kr
- Lonely planet. 2018. Lonely Planet. [Online]. [25 December 2018]. Available from: https://www.lonelyplanet.com

Top Attractions

Gyeongbokgung - by swan83kr Budget Travel via Lonely Planet


Gangnam, Nonhyeon, Yeoksam - by Tripadvisor	Myeong-dong - by danielfooddiary

Hongdae - by Tripadvisor	Changdeokgung Palace Complex - by Gary Arndt via everything-everywhere

The Namsan (N) Seoul Tower - by the Seoul Metropolitan Government	Noryangjin Fish Market - by Brian Hammonds Five Hundred Pixels

Sister City Agreements:

- On 16^th June, 2006, Mr. Apirak Kosayodhin, Governor of Bangkok and Mr. Won Sei Hoon, Vice Mayor of Seoul signed Sister City Agreement between the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Republic of Korea and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Kingdom of Thailand.

- On 29^th May, 2007, Mr. Vallop Suwandee, Deputy Governor of Bangkok and Mr. Young - Jin Kwon, Vice Mayor of Seoul signed a Memorandum of Understanding on City Marketing between Seoul Metropolitan Government, Republic of Korea and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Kingdom of Thailand.

- On 19^th May, 2009, Mr. Prakob Chirakiti, Deputy Governor of Bangkok and Mr. Ra, Jin Goo, Vice Mayor of Seoul signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operations between the City of Bangkok and the City of Seoul.

- On 7^th July, 2016, M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, Governor of Bangkok and Mr. Park Won-soon, Mayor of Seoul signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Exchanges and Cooperation between The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Kingdom of Thailand and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Republic of Korea.

Leader: Mr. Oh Se-hoon, Mayor (as of 8 April 2021)

Website http://english.seoul.go.kr/

Download :

Consequences Activities after Signing on the Agreement

No.	Date	Activities	Place	Link Photo/Video Album
1		Seoul sponsored some of an expense for an arrangement of a workshop on an urban development.	Bangkok
2	13 September 2005	Mr. Ham Myeong-Seot, Minister-Counsellor (International Relations) paid a courtesy call on Mr. Apirak Kosayodhin, Governor of Bangkok. On this occasion, Mr. Ham Myeong-Seot invited Governor of Bangkok to Seoul Mayor Forum.	Bangkok
3	30 September- 1 October 2005	The BMA delegation led by Mr. Panich Vitkitsreth, Deputy Governor of Bangkok participated in Seoul Mayor Forum.	Seoul
4	15 - 18 June 2006	Mr. Won Sei Hoon, Vice Mayor of Seoul together with a group of administrators and officials had an official visit to Bangkok. On this occasion, Mr. Won Sei Hoon signed Sister City Agreement between the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Republic of Korea and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Kingdom of Thailand.	Bangkok
5	22 October - 2 November 2006	A group of the BMA officials participated in the 6th Training Workshop. On this occasion, they exchanged work experiences on cultural and urban environmental management.	Seoul
6	February 2007	A group of the BMA administrators and officials led by Mr. Apirak Kosayodhin, Governor of Bangkok paid a courtesy on Mr. Lee Myung Bak, Mayor of Seoul and participated in E-participation Forum.	Seoul
7	27 April - 1 May 2007	The BMA delegation consisting of administrators, officials and performers participated in Seoul Friendship Fair 2007.	Seoul
8	29 May 2007	Mr. Vallop Suwandee, Chairman of Advisor to Governor of Bangkok and Mr. Young Jin-kwon, Vice Mayor of Seoul signed a Memorandum of Understanding on City Marketing between Seoul Metropolitan Government, Republic of Korea and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Kingdom of Thailand.	Bangkok
9	15 - 21 October 2007	The BMA officials participated in the 7^th Training Workshop in order to exchange work experiences on cultural and urban environmental management.	Seoul
10	7 - 12 January 2008	A group of thirty five delegation of Seoul which consisted of staff and youth representatives participated in a youth exchange program between Bangkok and Seoul.	Bangkok
11	7 - 12 April 2008	A group of thirty five delegation of Bangkok which consisted of the BMA officials and youth representatives participated in a youth exchange program between Bangkok and Seoul.	Seoul
12	10 - 12 April 2008	A group of six officials of the BMA responsible in a city public relations corroboration participated in an official meeting on cooperation and relation promotion.	Seoul
13	1 - 11 July 2008	Two Bangkok youth representatives participated in Brothers + Sisters Project Seoul.	Seoul
14	27 July- 1 August 2008	A group of the Seoul Metropolitan Administration officials arranged activities in Bangkok Sister City Week 2008.	Bangkok
15	20 - 26 October 2008	An official from International Affairs Division, the BMA participated in the 8th Training Workshop for Municipal Officials of Foreign Cities.	Seoul
16	Year 2008	Seoul provided three scholarships to the BMA officials.	Seoul
17	23-28 February 2009	A group of thirty five Seoul representatives participated in a youth exchange program between Bangkok and Seoul.	Bangkok
18	23 - 31 March 2009	The youth representatives of Seoul and staff participated in Bangkok Sister City Youth Program 2009.	Bangkok
19	6 - 11 May 2009	A group of the BMA performers participated in Seoul Friendship Fair 2009.	Seoul
20	19 May 2009	Mr. Prakob Chirakiti, Deputy Governor of Bangkok and Mr. Ra, Jin Goo, Vice Mayor of Seoul signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operations between the City of Bangkok and the City of Seoul.	Seoul
21	5 - 19 June 2009	The BMA officials participated in a workshop on International Youth Cultural Exchange Program for Bangkok Officials.	Seoul
22	30 June-10 July 2009	The youth representatives of Bangkok participated in Brothers + Sisters Project Seoul.	Seoul
23	3 - 9 July 2009	A group of Bangkok representatives consists of thirty youth representatives and five officials of the BMA participated in a youth exchange program between Bangkok and Seoul.	Seoul
24	Year 2009	Seoul offered a scholarship for an official of the BMA to study in a Master's degree at Korea University.	Seoul
25	21-25 February 2010	M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, Governor of Bangkok together with a group of the BMA administrators participated in the World Design Cities Summit.	Seoul
26	20 - 25 April 2010	A group of Bangkok representatives consists of thirty youth representatives and five officials of the BMA participated in a youth exchange program between Bangkok and Seoul.	Seoul
27	5 - 9 May 2010	A group of the BMA performers participated in Seoul Friendship Fair 2010.	Seoul
28	1 - 7 July 2010	A representative of Seoul participated in Bangkok Sister City Youth Program 2010.	Bangkok
29	14-21 September 2010	A group of twenty four representatives of Seoul participated in Sister City Week 2010.	Bangkok
30	27 - 30 September 2010	M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, Governor of Bangkok attended the 60^th Korean War Memorial.	Seoul
31	18 - 23 October 2010	A group of Seoul representatives consists of thirty youth representatives and five staff participated in the Youth Exchange Program between Bangkok and Seoul.	Bangkok
32	18 - 24 October 2010	The BMA officials participated in the 10^th Training Workshop for Municipal Officials of Foreign Cities.	Seoul
33	26 - 30 October 2010	The BMA officials participated in City Image 2nd Design Cooperation.	Seoul
34	17 - 22 January 2011	A group of Seoul representatives consists of thirty youth representatives and five staff participated in a youth exchange program between Bangkok and Seoul.	Bangkok
35	2 - 4 March 2011	An official of International Affairs Division, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration participated in Executive Committee Meeting for Global Design Cities Summit 2011.	Seoul
36	23 - 31 March 2011	A group of five representatives of Seoul consists of three university students and two officials participated in Bangkok Sister City Youth Program 2011.	Bangkok
37	20 - 28 March 2011	An official of the BMA participated in a seminar on Urban Transportation Policy.	Seoul
38	10 - 18 April 2011	An official of the BMA participated in a seminar on Woman’s Policy.	Seoul
39	18 - 23 April 2011	A group of Bangkok representatives consists of thirty youth representatives and five officials of the BMA participated in a youth exchange program between Bangkok and Seoul.	Seoul
40	1 - 9 May 2011	An official of the BMA participated in a seminar on Climate Change policy, and Cultural and Design Policy.	Seoul
41	5 - 9 May 2011	A group of the BMA performers participated in Seoul Friendship Fair 2011.	Seoul
42	July 2011	A group of the BMA administrators had a technical visit program on Metropolitan Leadership.	Seoul
43	19 - 25 September 2011	The BMA official participated in the 11^th Training Workshop for Municipal Officials of Foreign Cities.	Seoul
44	25 September- 3 October 2011	An official of the BMA participated in a seminar on Urban Transportation Policy.	Seoul
45	23 - 31 October 2011	An official of the BMA participated in a seminar on Cultural and Design Policy.	Seoul
46	6 - 14 November 2011	An official of the BMA participated in a seminar on Climate Change Policy.	Seoul
47	9 - 12 February 2012	The representative of Seoul participated in Bangkok Sister Cities Week 2012.	Bangkok
48	11 - 19 March 2012	Two officials of the BMA participated in the 1^st training program on Transportation Policy arranged by Seoul Human Resource Development Center (SHRDC).	Seoul
49	15 - 23 April 2012	Two officials of the BMA participated in the 1^st training program on Urban Safety Policy arranged by Seoul Human Resource Development Center (SHRDC).	Seoul
50	29 April - 7 May 2012	Two officials of the BMA participated in the 1^st training program on Cultural and Design Policy arranged by Seoul Human Resource Development Center (SHRDC).	Seoul
51	23 - 28 April 2012	A group of Bangkok representatives consists of thirty youth representatives and five officials of the BMA participated in a youth exchange program between Bangkok and Seoul.	Seoul
52	3 - 7 May 2012	A group of the BMA performers participated in Seoul Friendship Fair 2012.	Seoul
53	13 - 18 August 2012	A group of Seoul representatives consists of thirty youth representatives and five staff participated in a youth exchange program between Bangkok and Seoul.	Bangkok
54	16 - 24 September 2012	Two officials of the BMA participated in the 2^nd training program on Culture Marketing Policy arranged by Seoul Human Resource Development Center (SHRDC).	Seoul
55	7 - 15 October 2012	Two officials of the BMA participated in the 2^nd training program on Climate Change arranged by Seoul Human Resource Development Center (SHRDC).	Seoul
56	21 - 29 October 2012	Two officials of the BMA participated in the 2^nd training program on Welfare Policy arranged by Seoul Human Resource Development Center (SHRDC).	Seoul
57	Year 2012	Seoul offered a Master's Degree scholarship to an official of the BMA.	Seoul
58	2 - 6 May 2013	A group of the BMA performers performed in Seoul Friendship Fair 2013.	Seoul
59	18 - 25 August 2013	Two officials of the BMA participated in Seoul Study Workshop for City Officials in Asia.	Seoul
60	1-8 September 2013	An official of the BMA participated in a training program on Climate Change Policy arranged by Seoul Human Resource Development Center (SHRDC).	Seoul
61	22-29 September 2013	An official of the BMA participated in a training program on Urban Management arranged by Seoul Human Resource Development Center (SHRDC).	Seoul
62	22 - 30 October 2013	An official of the BMA participated in a training program on Seoul Study Workshop for Foreign City Officials arranged by Seoul Human Resource Development Center (SHRDC)	Seoul
63	21 - 30 April 2014	An official of the BMA participated in a training program on Urban Transportation Policy for Foreign City Officials arranged by Seoul Human Resource Development Center (SHRDC).	Seoul
64	28 April - 3 May 2014	A group of Bangkok representatives consists of thirty youth representatives and five officials of the BMA participated in a youth exchange program between Bangkok and Seoul.	Seoul
65	27 May-4 June 2014	An official of the BMA participated in a training program on Waterworks Policy.	Seoul
66	24 June - 2 July 2014	An official of the BMA participated in a training program on E-government.	Seoul
67	24 - 31 August 2014	Two officials of the BMA participated in a training program on Urban Management arranged by Seoul Human Resource Development Center (SHRDC).	Seoul
68	27 October- 1 November 2014	A group of Seoul representatives consists of thirty youth representatives and five staff participated in a youth exchange program between Bangkok and Seoul.	Bangkok
69	26 November- 2 December 2014	An official of the BMA participated in a training program on Urban Transportation Policy Program for Sister and Friendship City arranged by Seoul Human Resource Development Center (SHRDC).	Seoul
70	7 - 15 April 2015	An official of the BMA participated in a training program on Climate Change Workshop arranged by Seoul Human Resource Development Center (SHRDC).	Seoul
71	8 - 12 April 2015	Mr. Supachai Tantikom, Advisor to Governor of Bangkok participated in ICLEI World Congress 2015.	Seoul
72	19 - 25 April 2015	An official of the BMA participated in Seoul Waterworks Policy Training Program.	Seoul
73	30 April - 4 May 2015	A group of the BMA performers performed in Seoul Friendship Fair 2015.	Seoul
74	11 May 2015	Mr. Jung Hyo-Sung, Deputy Mayor of Seoul paid a courtesy call on Mr. Amorn Kitchawengkul, Deputy Governor of Bangkok.	Bangkok
75	8 - 13 June 2015	A group of Bangkok representatives consists of thirty youth representatives and five officials of the BMA participated in a youth exchange program between Bangkok and Seoul.	Seoul
76	19 - 26 July 2015	An official of the BMA participated in an Urban Management Training Program arranged by Seoul Human Resource Development Center (SHRDC).	Seoul
77	18 - 26 August 2015	An official of the BMA participated in an E-Government Training Program arranged by Seoul Human Resource Development Center (SHRDC).	Seoul
78	August 2015 - August 2017	The BMA received two scholarships of Master of Urban Administration and Planning (MUAP) at University of Seoul.	Seoul
79	16 - 24 September 2015	An official of the BMA participated in an Urban Transport Training Program arranged by Seoul Human Resource Development Center (SHRDC).	Seoul
80	26 - 31 October 2015	A group of Seoul representatives consists of thirty youth representatives and five staff participated in a youth exchange program between Bangkok and Seoul.	Bangkok
81	27 - 31 October 2015	The BMA official participated in Seoul Human Resource Development Center (SHRDC) International Forum on Traffic.	Seoul
82	21-27 February2016	A group of Bangkok representatives consists of thirty youth representatives and five officials of the BMA participated in a youth exchange program between Bangkok and Seoul.	Seoul
83	15 - 23 March 2016	An official of the BMA participated in an Urban Transport Training Program hosted by Seoul Human Resource Development Center (SHRDC).	Seoul
84	25 - 29 April 2016	The representatives of the Seoul Metropolitan Government and International Affairs Division of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) had a discussion on a preparation to arrange the 10^th anniversary celebration of sister city relations between Bangkok and Seoul.	Bangkok
85	5 - 9 May 2016	A group of the BMA performers performed at Seoul Friendship Fair 2016.	Seoul
86	24 May 2016	A group of the representatives of Seoul had a technical visit on Urban Management, City Planning and Tourism	Bangkok
87	8 - 10 June 2016	The BMA official participated in International Forum on Urban Policy for the Sustainable Development Goals hosted by Citynet and UNESCAP.	Seoul
88	14 - 22 June 2016	An official of the BMA participated in an Urban Management Training Program hosted by Seoul Human Resource Development Center (SHRDC).	Seoul
89	26 June - 2 July 2016	A group of six officials of the BMA participated in Life Safety and Fire Services Capacity Building Training Workshop.	Seoul
90	5 - 13 July 2016	An official of the BMA participated in an e-Government Training Program hosted by Seoul Human Resource Development Center (SHRDC).	Seoul
91	7 - 9 July 2016	The Seoul Metropolitan Government delegation participated in Seoul's Day in Bangkok, a celebration of the 10^th anniversary of sister city relations between Bangkok and Seoul. On this occasion, M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, Governor of Bangkok and Mr. Park Won-soon, Mayor of Seoul signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Exchanges and Cooperation between The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Kingdom of Thailand and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Republic of Korea.	Bangkok
92	23 - 31 August 2016	An official of the BMA participated in an Urban Management Training Program hosted by Seoul Human Resource Development Center (SHRDC).	Seoul
93	26 - 28 August 2016	The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration delegation participated in Bangkok's Day in Seoul, a celebration of the 10^th anniversary of sister city relations between Bangkok and Seoul.	Seoul
94	August 2016 - August 2018	The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration received two scholarships of Master of Urban Administration and Planning (MUAP) at University of Seoul.	Seoul
95	7-12 November 2016	A group of Seoul representatives consists of thirty youth representatives and five staff participated in a youth exchange program between Bangkok and Seoul.	Bangkok
96	26 March-2 April2017	Two officials of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration participated in WeGO e-Government Training: Seoul Program.	Seoul
97	3 - 7 July 2017	A group of Bangkok representatives consists of thirty youth representatives and five officials of the BMA participated in a youth exchange program between Bangkok and Seoul.	Seoul
98	31 August- 4 September 2017	A group of the BMA performers performed at Seoul Friendship Fair 2017.	Seoul
99	12 - 16 March 2018	A couple of Seoul representatives consists of Mr. Kim Ki Hyun, Director of International Relations Division, Seoul Metropolitan Government and Mr. Lee Kyung Ho, Manager of International Relations Division, Seoul Metropolitan Government participated in Sister City Senior Officials Seminar on International Cooperation.	Bangkok
100	18 - 23 May 2018	A group of Bangkok representatives consists of thirty youth representatives and five officials of the BMA participated in a youth exchange program between Bangkok and Seoul.	Seoul
101	30 August- 3 September 2018	A group of the BMA administrators, officials and performers participated in Seoul Friendship Festival 2018. There were city promotion, exhibition, and a presentation of Bangkok Brand.	Seoul
102	5 - 9 November 2018	A group of Seoul representatives consists of thirty youth representatives and five staff participated in a youth exchange program between Bangkok and Seoul.	Bangkok
103	19 - 24 May 2019	A group of Bangkok representatives consists of thirty youth representatives and five BMA officials participated in a youth exchange program between Bangkok and Seoul.	Seoul
104	27 June - 1 July 2019	The delegation of Seoul led by Ms. Kim Woni, Vice Mayor For Political Affairs of Seoul Metropolitan Government together with a group of Seoul performers participated in the Sister Cities Week 2019.	Bangkok
105	7 - 13 July 2019	Bangkok delegation which consisted of representatives of Medical Service Department, Health Department, Social Development Department and International Affairs Office participated in an exchange program on elderly care.	Seoul (and Busan)
106	29 August - 3 September 2019	Bangkok delegation led by Mrs. Wiparat Chaiyanukij, Deputy Permanent Secretary for BMA and a group of Bangkok performers participated in Seoul Friendship Festival 2019.	Seoul
107	24 - 25 October 2019	Bangkok delegation led by Pol.Lt. Sopon Pisuttiwong participated in the Seoul Mayors' Forum on Climate Change 2019.	Seoul
108	6 - 8 November 2019	Bangkok representatives participated in 2019 Asia Cities Culture Forum (ACCF).	Seoul
109	August 2020 - August 2022	The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration received a scholarship of Master of Urban Administration and Planning (MUAP) at University of Seoul.	Seoul
110	1 - 10 October 2021	The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration participated in 2021 Seoul Friendship Festival via a submission of "ASIA7" video performance.	Seoul
111	August 2022 - August 2023	The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration received a scholarship of Master of Urban Administration and Planning (MUAP) at University of Seoul.	Seoul

As of August 2022