Seoul OverviewEncircled by mountains, containing a population of 10-million,
and with more than a million registered motor vehicles inching
through its congested streets, one would imagine the metropolis of
Seoul, capital of South Korea, to be a polluted nightmare. The city
fathers, however, have made a concerted effort in recent years to
clean and green this thriving, prosperous city, also ensuring that
the mushrooming of gleaming skyscrapers has not meant the neglect
or destruction of centuries-old palaces and shrines. The result is
a bustling, but organised, city filled with fascination, where old
and new co-exist happily. A great deal of the credit for the well-ordered urban planning
of Seoul can be given to the ancient Joseon Dynasty, which used
great foresight when crafting the city into a capital way back in
the 14th century. The old Joseon Dynasty city with its central main palace is now
the traditional downtown heart of Seoul where many of the most
popular sights, hotels and markets are to be found. One of the most
popular areas for visitors to explore is Insa-dong, filled with
antique shops, art galleries, traditional teahouses, restaurants
and bookshops. Across the Han River the modern city is dominated by Korea's
World Trade Centre, and the Coex Mall, a shopper's delight. Even
the island, Yeouido, in the middle of the Han River is densely
packed with high-rise buildings; this is also the base for the
Korean National Assembly, and the world's biggest Presbyterian
church. Interspersed through the urban landscape are several lush, green
parks, the most central being Namsan Park, encompassing the
mountain of the same name just to the south of downtown Seoul.
Namsan Park is also home to the iconic Seoul Tower, which offers
spectacular 360 degree views of the city and surrounding
countryside. Nightlife in Seoul is lively and legendary with something to
suit all tastes, from a 'booze-cruise' through the raunchy red
light district of Itaewon, or a sedate sit-down at a traditional
teahouse. Eating out, too, is a feast for the senses in Seoul, with
an enormous international variety to choose from, whether it is
succulent steak, perfect pizza, multi-course gourmet, tasty
tandoori or even perhaps classic Korean. |