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"Seoul - gigantic, traditional yet ..." a Seoul Travel Page by Vita500

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Seoul Pages by Vita500


"Seoul - gigantic, traditional yet ..." a Seoul Travel Page by Vita500
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Vita500   
There are no strangers in the world, only friends we haven't met.


Real Name: Robert
Lives In: Kassel, DE
Member Since: Jan 01, 2005
VT Rank: 741

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Page Views: 3,780            Last Visit to Seoul: -      I Used To Live Here

Seoul - gigantic, traditional yet modern

by Vita500 - last update: Aug 8, 2008

View onto downtown Seoul

What Seoul has to offer:

More than 20 million people, one of the world's largest subway network, thousands of cosy coffee-shops, modern buildings and gigantic underground shopping-malls, 600-year-old palaces, indoor amusement parks, 40+ kilometers of riverside (perfect for cycling, inlining, etc.), a magnificent mountainous landscape, shop-to-dead experiences... Seoul offers everything you can possibly imagine!

Considering the fact that almost 50% of Korea's total population is living in Seoul and adjacencies (10+ million in Seoul city, another 10+ million in the adjacent surroundings!), most visitors are stunned by the crowds of people that can be found simply everywhere and at any time of the day.
Nevertheless, Seoul has a pretty efficient public transportation network and in spite of traffic jams on the streets, transportation by subway or bus (mainly thanks to the newly introduced bus-only lanes) is really fast, reliable and cheap.

For visitors, I can only recommend to put on a pair of comfy shoes and spend as much time as possible on the streets, exploring the various sections of Seoul on foot. However, don't underestimate the vast distances...

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Quick facts:

World Ranking
Third to fifth largest city in the world (depending on source)

Geography
Area: 605 sq km (234 sq mi)
Population: ~ 10.3 million (2006 - only Seoul city!); about 23 million in the metropolitan area

Latitude (approx.): 37 - 35' North
Longitude (approx.): 127 - 03' East

Located in the Northwest of Korea, close to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), Seoul is divided into two halfs by the Han River which is emptying into the Imjin River just before entering the Yellow Sea (West Sea for Koreans).

Administration
The city is divided into 25 big wards (Gu) and 15,267 smaller districts (Dong), which are further divided into the smallest division, called 'Ban'.

Check out the below Travel Tips for more information and feel free to leave a comment to communicate how you like my tips or submit suggestions for improvement!!!

---
Map of South Korea
Have you lived here for too long...?!???
NEW: Check out the Signs You Have Lived In Korea For Too Long and let me know if there is anything that I should add.

Aim is to achieve a similar number to the list of Hong Kong... we're definitely getting closer but are still about 20 signs behind... hence, any input is highly appreciated!!!

Thanks & have fun...!

> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]

Pros:"Find everything you want in one huge place"
Cons:"Always crowded... whether it's shopping, having a stroll along Hangang or a hiking trip"
In A Nutshell:"From historic sites in the North to modernity in the South"
Vita500's Seoul Travel Tips

OverviewThings to Do
Tips: 13 - Photos: 15
 
Restaurants
Tips: 4 - Photos: 4
Hotels & Accommodations
Tips: 8 - Photos: 8
 
Nightlife
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
Off The Beaten Path
Tips: 3 - Photos: 3
 
Tourist Traps
Tips: 4 - Photos: 3
Warnings Or Dangers
 
Transportation
Tips: 5 - Photos: 5
Local Customs
 
Packing ListsShopping
Tips: 4 - Photos: 4
 
Sports Travel
Tips: 2 - Photos: 2
General Tips
Tips: 3 - Photos: 2

Vita500's Seoul Travelogues
Title [Click to view]Travel YearPictures
Everland- 7
CheongGyeCheon- 6
Signs You Have Lived In Korea For Too Long!- 6

Comments for Vita500 about Seoul
DSwede Tue Mar 25, 2008 05:36 UTC
 There are so many in your "too long in Korea list" that are dead ringers. I know I've been here too long because I know the hourly schedules of the express buses.
ftho Sun Nov 11, 2007 08:56 UTC
 I was in Seoul Oct 30 - Nov 3 guided by tips on your page. I found yr tips & yr sharing of yr travel experience helpful . Tell you one thing, I could not find the Sauna due to language problem. TQ for yr reply to my query prior to my tour of Seoul.
sakikot Tue May 15, 2007 07:53 UTC
 What a helpful page:D Thank you~!!!
Pixiekatten Sat Feb 10, 2007 02:40 UTC
 Great and detailed tips that will come extremely handy on my trip in June!! :)) Thanks for sharing!
See More Comments

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