Looking for fun facts about Seoul? Whether you’re planning a trip or just intrigued about South Korea’s capital, here are things you should know about this bustling metropolis.
With over ten million residents, Seoul (서울) is South Korea’s capital and largest city. It attracts visitors with its rich history, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and the Korean wave of drama, music, and beauty that’s spreading the globe.
Having explored Seoul multiple times (and, let’s be honest, indulged in a fair share of K-dramas), we’re excited to share 20 interesting fun facts about Seoul that not only enrich your understanding of the capital city but also prepare you for an unforgettable trip.
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20 Fun & Interesting Facts about Seoul, South Korea
Here are some surprising and interesting facts about Seoul that reveal the unique character of South Korea’s capital.
1. Seoul’s historical roots stretch back over 2,000 years.
During the Joseon dynasty, Seoul (then called Hanseong) was formally designated its capital in 1394. In the early 20th century, Seoul was under Japanese rule and temporarily known as Gyeongseong.
The first recorded kingdom to establish a capital in the area now known as Seoul was Baekje, one of Korea’s Three Kingdoms, in 18 BC. Since then, Seoul has served as the seat of power and administration for various Korean kingdoms, including the Goryeo and the Joseon dynasties.
The Korean War between North Korea and South Korea (1950-1953) further scarred the city, with Seoul changing hands multiple times and suffering significant destruction.
Following the devastation of the Korean War, Seoul embarked on a period of rapid reconstruction and economic growth, ultimately transforming it into the dynamic and technologically advanced capital it is today.
2. Seoul is known as the bandwidth capital of the world.
One of the most remarkable facts about Seoul is that it boasts some of the fastest internet speeds worldwide.
The capital of South Korea has invested significantly in building and maintaining an advanced broadband infrastructure, including gigabit-speed internet. This makes Seoul one of the leaders when it comes to providing quick and reliable access for residents and businesses alike.
3. South Korea’s capital is a megacity.
Megacities are defined as urban areas with populations exceeding 10 million people. With its 10 million residents, Seoul is South Korea’s biggest city and a megacity, much like Tokyo.
Around one-fifth of the Korean population lives in the bustling metropolis.
Seoul is part of an expansive metropolitan area known as the Seoul Capital Area (SCA). It comprises Incheon and Gyeonggi Province and boasts over 26 million people, making it one of the world’s most populous metropolitan areas.
4. Seoul is a global leader in the e-sports industry.
South Korea is widely considered the originator of e-sports as we know it today. Its capital is a hub for e-sports and online games with numerous professional teams, high-profile tournaments, and avid fans.
Here’s a 7-minute YouTube video by Red Bull Gaming that gives you a glimpse into Seoul’s e-sports and video games scene:
There are even e-sports tours that let you experience the world of professional online gaming firsthand in a Seoul-based e-sports team’s clubhouse.
5. It boasts five grand palaces.
Seoul’s skyline is graced with five stunning ancient palaces that stand as testaments to the splendour of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
These historic sites include:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁): Built in 1395, it’s the largest of the five royal palaces.
- Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁): Constructed in 1405, it served as a secondary palace to Gyeongbokgung and features a stunning Secret Garden. In our opinion, this is the most beautiful of Seoul’s palaces.
- Changgyeonggung Palace (창경궁): Built in 1483, it was originally constructed for King Sejong, the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty.
- Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁): Built in 1610, it’s known for its unique blend of Korean and Western architectural designs and served as an important site during the Korean Empire.
- Gyeonghuigung Palace (경희궁): Construction began in 1623, and it served as a tranquil royal retreat.
6. Seoul is a global technology centre.
Large international companies such as Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, and SK Hynix (a world leader in memory chip production) have a strong presence in Seoul.
The city also fosters a strong start-up ecosystem, attracting investment and encouraging innovative ideas that keep Seoul on the cutting edge of technology.
These technological advancements contribute significantly to the city’s reputation as a global technology hub.
7. Workers in Seoul are workaholics.
Another of the noteworthy Seoul facts is that the city’s work culture involves long working hours. Seoul’s reputation as a workaholic city stems from a strong cultural emphasis on hard work and commitment.
Many companies in Seoul cultivate a culture of long working hours. Employees are often expected to stay late or work overtime as a sign of loyalty and commitment to the employer.
According to OECD data, South Koreans work an average of 1,915 hours annually. For comparison, American workers put in an average of 1,811 hours each year, while the British work 1,532 and Germany 1,341 hours annually.
To improve employee wellbeing, South Korea’s government implemented measures in 2018 that restrict working hours to 52 per week instead of 68. Although its effectiveness remains controversial, this change marks a positive step towards regulating working hours across South Korea.
8. One of Seoul’s neighbourhoods is frozen in time.
Bukchon Hanok Village, located in the Jongno District in Central Seoul, is a gorgeous neighbourhood filled with 900 houses known as hanoks. These traditional Korean houses with wooden frames and tiled roofs have been preserved over their 600-year history.
Unlike some recreated villages, Bukchon Hanok Village is a living area where residents mingle with tourists.
The area was built during the Joseon Dynasty and housed nobility and officials. Today, the hanoks are home to shops, restaurants, cultural centres, and Seoul residents.
9. Seoul is the heart and soul of the K-wave.
The Korean wave (K-wave), also called Hallyu, refers to the increasing global popularity of South Korean culture. It includes Korean pop (K-pop), Korean dramas (K-dramas), Korean cinema as well as beauty trends and fashion styles from South Korea.
Seoul is the creative engine and epicentre of the K-wave. It’s home to the major K-pop agencies, television networks, and production companies that fuel its development. South Korea’s capital is where several dramas and music videos are shot, and idols train and debut.
10. Seoul has a thriving café culture.
South Koreans are known for their love of coffee, and Seoul reflects this with its numerous cafés lining its streets.
But these cafés go beyond serving only coffee. Many cafés have unique themes, from cat cafés and swimming pool-themed cafés to minimalistic coffee shops.
The city’s café scene is constantly innovating. Expect to find specialty coffee drinks from around the globe, unique brewing methods as well as stunning latte art masterpieces!
Looking for the best themed cafés in Seoul? Read our Seoul must-see guide here.
11. Seoul is a street food paradise.
One of the other fun facts about Seoul is that the city is an oasis for street food lovers, offering a variety of delicious and budget-friendly street eats around every corner.
From spicy tteokbokki (rice cakes) to delicious treats like hotteok (sweet-filled pancakes), there’s sure to be something perfect in Seoul to satisfy all your cravings.
We recommend joining a guided food tour to fully experience Seoul’s Korean food. It’s an invaluable way to uncover hidden gems while learning more about Korean cuisine from knowledgeable guides!
12. Seoul is a hub for cosmetic surgery.
Seoul has a booming cosmetic surgery industry. Its high concentration of clinics and surgeons dedicated to this field has earned the city the nickname of “Plastic Surgery Capital of the World”.
The strong cultural emphasis on aesthetics has led to a high demand for cosmetic procedures.
13. There are four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Seoul.
Four of South Korea’s 16 UNESCO World Heritage sites can be found within the Greater Seoul Capital Area.
These include the Changdeokgung Palace Complex with its extensive garden (Secret Garden) and Jongmyo Shrine, a Confucian shrine that honours Joseon Dynasty royalty.
There are also the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, comprising 40 tombs scattered across 18 locations, and the Hwaseong Fortress with its massive 5.7-kilometre-long (3.5-mile-long) walls.
14. North Korea is only an hour’s drive away from Seoul.
Kaesong, North Korea’s southernmost city, lies only 58 kilometres (36 miles) away from Seoul. While you could technically reach it in about an hour by car, it’s not possible due to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which separates North and South Korea.
Similar to Berlin during the Cold War, the DMZ serves as a stark reminder of a divided nation.
You can gain insight into this unique situation by going on a guided DMZ tour to Panmunjeom. This village within the DMZ offers an opportunity to see North Korea from a distance, learn more about its complex history, and explore underground tunnels used during the Korean War.
Watch this 7-minute YouTube video from History that explores the history of the DMZ, from its creation after World War II to the present day:
15. The capital city has an excellent Public Transportation System.
Seoul’s subway system is among the world’s most advanced and user-friendly, with extensive coverage and easily navigable routes.
South Korea also boasts an advanced high-speed rail network known as KTX (Korea Train Express), which connects Seoul to other major South Korean cities like Busan quickly and comfortably.
Additionally, technological innovations like real-time scheduling and integrated fare systems (i.e. using a single card to travel across different public transport options) enhance the commuting experience in Seoul.
Having visited Seoul multiple times, we can confidently say it’s incredibly easy to navigate the entire city.
16. Seoul is one of the world’s karaoke capitals.
South Korea, and Seoul in particular, has a strong cultural connection to karaoke.
With an abundance of karaoke rooms (noraebang, 노래방), throughout the capital city of South Korea, you’re bound to find one easily anywhere in Seoul. Karaoke bars provide an entertaining and social way to spend an evening with friends or solo!
17. Baseball is one of the most beloved sports in Seoul.
Baseball first made its debut in Korea over a century ago and has a long history in Seoul. South Korea’s professional baseball league, the KBO League, enjoys high viewership numbers, and teams like the Doosan Bears have strong fan bases.
In recent years, football (soccer) has gained significant popularity, especially among younger generations. The success of the South Korean national team and world-class players like Son Heung-min contributed to this surge.
18. One of Seoul’s airports ranks among the best globally.
Seoul has two main airports: Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Gimpo International Airport (GMP). Gimpo Airport mainly serves domestic travel within South Korea, while Incheon Airport handles international flights.
Incheon Airport consistently ranks among the best airports worldwide. It has earned distinction and accolades worldwide for outstanding services, facilities, passenger experience, and satisfaction ratings.
Despite its excellence, we found that Incheon still doesn’t quite compare to the renowned Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore.
19. It’s home to the world’s longest bridge fountain.
According to Guinness World Records, the Banpo Grand Bridge and its Moonlight Rainbow Fountain across the Han River is the longest bridge fountain in the world. The fountain measures 1,140 metres (3,740 feet).
20. Seoul holds a unique official name.
Another interesting fun fact about Seoul is that its official name is Seoul Special City (서울특별시) in Korean.
This name refers to the city’s special administrative status, which allows it greater autonomy than typical cities in South Korea (officially the Republic of Korea).
Intrigued? Plan Your Seoul Trip
Wrap-Up: Fun Facts about Seoul
We hope you’ve enjoyed discovering these fun facts about Seoul (South Korea)!
Did our Seoul facts spark your curiosity to learn more about this dynamic city? Which ones have been your favourite fun facts about Seoul that have caught your eye? Tell us all about it by leaving a comment; we would love to hear from you!
If you’re planning a visit to Seoul, check out our post outlining Seoul’s must-see spots and attractions. It includes Seoul’s best places and most iconic landmarks. We also give you tips for day trips from Seoul so you can discover more of the rich history of the Korean Peninsula.
And if you love discovering fun facts about different places, explore our fun fact post on Japan, Gibraltar, Vienna or Poland. You might uncover something new and fascinating about these unique destinations too!
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