Séoul

Seoul, or Séoul in French, is the capital and largest city of South Korea. It is a special city (teukbyeolsi), administratively equivalent to a province, and serves as the country’s political, economic, and cultural center. The city lies on the Han River in the northwest and forms the core of the Seoul Capital Area, which includes parts of Gyeonggi Province and Incheon.

As of the early 2020s, the city proper has about 9.7 million residents, while the surrounding metropolitan area numbers roughly 25–28 million. Seoul hosts national government institutions, major companies, universities, and cultural venues.

Seoul began as Hanseong, the Joseon capital, in 1394. It has remained Korea’s capital into the modern era, modernizing rapidly after the Korean War. It hosted the 1988 Summer Olympics and co-hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

The city has a diversified economy focused on technology, finance, and services. It contains districts such as Gangnam and Yeouido and features a highly developed transit system, including the Seoul Metropolitan Subway.

Cultural attractions include Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Deoksugung palaces; districts such as Myeong-dong, Dongdaemun, and Hongdae; and institutions like the National Museum of Korea. Seoul is also known for its contemporary arts scene, K-pop, and cuisine ranging from street food to fine dining.

Seoul has four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters, and a monsoon-influenced rainy season in summer. Incheon International Airport is the region’s main international gateway; Gimpo handles domestic and some international flights. Leading universities include Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University.