"Seoul: A Dynamic City Blending Tradition and Modernity"

 

(서울 청계천, 빌딩 숲속 깨끗한 물이 흐릅니다.
Cheonggyecheon Stream flows with clean water through a forest of buildings in Seoul.)

(서울의 전통 가옥이 보존된 북촌 한옥마을.
Bukchon Hanok Village preserves Seoul’s traditional Korean houses.)

Exploring Seoul: The Heart of South Korea

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a vibrant metropolis where tradition and modernity coexist. Home to approximately 10 million people, the city serves as a crucial hub for economy, culture, and politics. With towering skyscrapers standing alongside ancient palaces, Seoul is a place where the past and future harmoniously blend.

(정치와 금융의 중심 여의도, 멀리서 담아본 모습입니다. Yeouido, the heart of politics and finance in Seoul, captured from afar.)

Size and Beauty

Seoul covers an area of approximately 605 square kilometers (234 square miles), making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Situated along the Han River, the city is surrounded by beautiful mountains, offering a striking balance between urban development and natural landscapes.

(이른 봄, 햇살에 반짝이는 한강물.The Han River sparkling in the early spring sunshine.)

(서울 지하철은 깨끗하고 안전해서 어디든 이동할 수 있습니다.

Seoul’s clean and safe subway takes you anywhere in the city.)

                          (청계천에서 물고기 사냥 중인 왜가리, 가까이 다가가도 놀라지 않았습니다.
A heron fishing in Cheonggyecheon—so focused it didn’t flinch even as I approached.)

(청계천에서 맨발로 물에 발 담그고 책 읽는 시민들, 참 평화로운 모습입니다.

Citizens reading books with their feet in the water—peaceful moments at Cheonggyecheon.)

         

                          

(해질 무렵 청계천, 맥주 한잔 생각나는 풍경입니다. Evening at Cheonggyecheon—a scene that calls for a quiet beer by the stream.)

Distinct Four Seasons

Seoul experiences all four seasons distinctly. From March to May, spring brings blooming cherry blossoms and mild weather. The summer, from June to August, is hot and humid, with a monsoon season. Autumn, from September to November, is characterized by cool temperatures and stunning fall foliage. Winter, from December to February, can be extremely cold, with occasional snowfall transforming the city into a winter wonderland.

(벚꽃으로 유명한 여의도, 봄이면 도시가 꽃으로 물듭니다. Yeouido is famous for cherry blossoms—Seoul becomes a city of flowers in spring.)

(남쪽 양동마을의 여름, 시골은 온통 초록빛 세상입니다. Summer in Yangdong Village—rural Korea turns a brilliant shade of green.)

(도심 아파트의 가을은 단풍과 낙엽으로 가득합니다.

In autumn, apartment complexes in the city are blanketed in colorful leaves.)

(한겨울 눈으로 덮인 서울 주택가의 풍경.
A snowy winter scene in a residential area of Seoul.)

Rich History

With over 600 years of history, Seoul played a significant role as the capital of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). The city's five major palaces, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, showcase the elegance of traditional Korean architecture. Meanwhile, modern landmarks such as Namsan Seoul Tower and Lotte World Tower symbolize the city’s rapid modernization.

(서울 도심 한복판에 자리 잡은 조선의 왕궁, 경복궁. Gyeongbokgung Palace, a royal Joseon palace in the heart of Seoul.)

(북촌 한옥은 누구나 들어가 관람할 수 있어요.
The hanoks of Bukchon are open to all visitors.)

A Global City

Today, Seoul is globally renowned for technological innovation, K-pop, and its diverse culinary scene. From bustling shopping districts like Myeongdong and Gangnam to tranquil temples and hanok villages, the city offers a variety of experiences. Additionally, Yeouido’s skyline of towering buildings highlights Seoul’s role as an economic powerhouse, serving as a financial and business hub with global influence. The district is home to major financial institutions, media headquarters, and impressive skyscrapers that define Seoul’s modern landscape.

                        (BTS를 키워낸 HYBE 사옥, 서울에 위치해 있습니다.

                      The HYBE building, home of BTS, stands right here in Seoul.)

(2025년 6월, BTS의 정국과 지민이 군 복무를 마쳤습니다.

In June 2025, Jungkook and Jimin of BTS completed their military service.)

                         

(쇼핑 명소 명동의 외국인 전용 올리브영 매장.

The foreigner-only Olive Young store in shopping hotspot Myeongdong.)

(주요 지하철역에는 물품 보관함과 공항 배송 서비스가 있어 편리합니다. Major subway stations offer luggage storage and airport delivery—no need to carry heavy bags.)

                                                 

(출국일에 맞춰 인천공항까지 짐을 배송해주는 서비스. Your luggage can be delivered directly to Incheon Airport on your departure day.)

Seoul is more than just a city—it is a dynamic space of constant change and growth. While deeply rooted in history, it continues to evolve toward the future, always welcoming visitors with open arms.

(광화문에서 만날 수 있는 한글의 창제자, 세종대왕 동상.
The statue of King Sejong, creator of Hangul, stands proudly in Gwanghwamun.)