Seoul, officially Seoul Special Metropolitan City, is the capital and largest city of South Korea, situated on the banks of the Han River in the northwest of the country. It covers an area of approximately 605.21 km², serving as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the Seoul National Capital Area. As of the second quarter of 2023, its population stood at 9,659,322, making it one of the world’s most populous city propers; this represents a gradual decline from its peak of over 10 million in 2014, reflecting low birth rates and suburban migration trends in recent years.
A Global Metropolis at the Heart of Korea
Seoul, home to over 10 million people, stands as one of Asia’s most dynamic megacities. Straddling the Han River, it’s divided into 25 districts—each with its own character—ranging from the ultra-modern skyscrapers of Yeouido to the historic alleys of Jongno. As South Korea’s political, economic, and cultural capital, Seoul pulses with energy day and night, offering conference attendees easy access to major business hubs as well as vibrant creative quarters.
Historic Treasures Amidst the Skyline
Despite its cutting-edge façade, Seoul retains deep roots in Korean history. Nearby Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace invite visitors to witness traditional ceremonies and explore centuries-old architecture. The serene lanes of Bukchon Hanok Village, lined with hanok (traditional wooden houses), contrast beautifully with the gleaming towers of Lotte World Tower, Korea’s tallest building. This living juxtaposition of past and present makes Seoul an inspiring venue for discussions about innovation grounded in heritage.
A World-Class Culinary and Nightlife Scene
Seoul’s food culture is a feast for the senses. In Myeongdong and Namdaemun Market, street vendors pour steaming bowls of tteokbokki and grill skewers of dakkochi (chicken). For sit-down dining, head to Gangnam, Hongdae or Itaewon to savor premium Korean BBQ—thinly sliced bulgogi or marinated galbi cooked tabletop-style—accompanied by an array of banchan. As evening falls, Hongdae light up with live music bars, craft cocktail lounges, and bustling pojangmacha (street stalls), perfect for networking over soju(grain based distilled alcohol) and makgeolli (rice-based undistilled alcohol).
The Epicenter of K-Culture
Seoul is where K-pop idols are born and K-dramas come to life. Fans can tour SM Town Coex Artium in Gangnam(Samseong), KWANGYA in Ttukseom or explore the latest exhibits at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza—a futuristic hub for fashion and digital art.
Many TV dramas and movies were filmed in Seoul, therefore, there are many film locations to explore. Fans can ride the cable car to Namsan Seoul Tower—featured in My Love from the Star(별에서온그대) and Boys Over Flowers(꽃보다남자)—to snap selfies with the city spread out below; wander the hanok-lined streets of Samcheongdong, where Another Miss Oh(또!오해영) painted everyday romance against traditional wooden backdrops; and lose themselves in Itaewon’s eclectic nightlife, brought to life in Itaewon Class(이태원 클라쓰) with its international eateries and rooftop bars.
Urban Green Spaces and Riverside Leisure
Amid the urban sprawl, Seoul’s commitment to green living shines. The Hangang Park stretches along the riverbanks, offering bike paths, picnic spots, and floating cafés, ideal for informal meetings or team-building retreats. On the city’s outskirts, Bukhansan National Park provides scenic hiking trails and panoramic views over the metropolis. Seasonal attractions—like cherry blossoms in Yeouido every April—add an extra layer of charm to any conference itinerary.
The City of Latest Democracy
In early 2025, the streets of Seoul bore witness to one of the largest displays of citizen activism in recent memory, as people who want to protect their countries from dictation fills major thoroughfares demanding accountability for his brief imposition of martial law and trial to coup d'état on December 3, 2024.
Between December, 2024 and April, 2025, massive candlelight vigils were held each weekend— sub-million to millions gathering in Gwanghwamun Square—to challenge executive overreach while affirming the power of peaceful protest.
These demonstrations got the Constitutional Court’s unanimous 8–0 ruling on April 4, 2025, to uphold the Parliament’s impeachment of the president, a reasonable affirmation that the constitional value and the rule of law prevail over unchecked authority. Through these events, Seoul reasserted itself as the epicenter of contemporary democracy in South Korea, where civic engagement continues to shape the nation’s political destiny.
