Seoul - City of Infinite Discoveries

The next AAPPAC Annual Conference will be held in Seoul from 15 - 17 Apr 08. In this quarter's issue, we bring you a short introduction of this Korean city.

Seoul is the capital of South Korea and is located on the Han River in the country's northwest. The city is bordered by eight mountains, as well as the more level lands of the Han River plain and western areas.

Seoul is an ancient city, having served as the historic capital of the Baekje Dynasty (18 BCE – 660 CE) and Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The city became the capital of Korea in 1394, two years after the establishment of the Joseon Dynasty.

Seoul was referred to as “Han Yang” during the Joseon Dynasty, but after the liberation from Japan in 1945, the newly founded Republic of Korea officially changed its capital city’s name to Seoul. Seoul has developed into a bustling metropolis, acting as the hub for political, economic, social and cultural matters.

The Han River running through the heart of the city, divides the city in two; the northern part of the city is a focal point for culture and history, while the southern part is well known for its business district.

In Seoul you can find ancient palaces and Royal Shrines of the Joseon Dynasty, as well as Lotte World, Han River, Namsan, Bukhansan Mountain National Park, Daehangno, Insa-dong, Itaewon, Myeong-dong, Apgujeong, Namdaemun and Dongdaemun Markets. On the outskirts of Seoul you can find Seoul Land, Everland, Caribbean Bay, The Korean Folk Village, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, and Namhansan Mountain Fortress.

One of the most historically significant street in Seoul is Jongno, meaning "Bell Street," on which one can find Bosingak, a pavillion containing a large bell. The bell signaled the different times of the day and therefore controlled the four major gates to the city. The only time it is normally rung nowadays is at midnight on New Year's Eve, when it is rung 33 times.

Seoul has hosted many international events including: 1986 Asian Games, 1988 Olympic Games and 2002 Korea/Japan FIFA World Cup. The success of these events has shown people that Korea is truly an international city.

With over 10 million people, Seoul is South Korea's largest city. Covering an area of only 605 km², smaller than New York City or Tokyo, it is one of the world's most densely populated major cities. From modern skyscrapers and neon lights to Buddhist temples, palaces and pagodas, Seoul is a fascinating mix of old and new. A hub of business, culture and finance both within South Korea and internationally, Seoul houses the headquarters for some of the world's largest corporations.

Seoul Arts Center

The coming AAPPAC conference will be held at Seoul Arts Center. Located in Seocho-dong, south of the Hangang River, Seoul Arts Center is one of the many cultural facilities found in Seoul and provincial cities. Measuring 12,0350 m², it consists of many different halls and centres for many diverse art forms.

The central venue, which is the Opera House, was built based on designs of the traditional hat for Korean men, the "gat", worn during the Joseon Dynasty by grown men who had passed the gwageo (the national civil service examinations under the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties of Korea). The Music Hall was designed with the idea of a Korean fan in mind.

Climate

In common with the rest of South Korea, Seoul's climate is temperate and continental, despite the fact that South Korea is surrounded on three sides by water. April is Springtime in Seoul and temperatures during this time are usually mild, ranging 7-17°C.

The Korean spring is a wonderful time when the country erupts in colour. Seoul is no exception---everywhere you go in the city, you will be greeted by the yellow and pink springtime blossoms. Perhaps the most dramatic of these blooming flowers is the cherry blossom. This fragile but beautiful white-pink flower can be found blossoming on trees throughout Seoul, but the best place perhaps to walk among the cherry blossoms is Yeouido, the Hangang River “island” often called Seoul’s Manhattan.

Yeouido Park is lined with some 1,400 cherry blossoms, some of them 30 to 40 years old.

As you walk beneath the cherry blossoms, it’s like strolling though a fairy tale as the cherry blossom petals fall like spring snow. During cherry blossom season, Yeouido plays host to a number of cultural events as well. Seoul’s many surrounding mountains are good places to revel in Korea’s springtime color.

Food & Drinks

When most people think of Korean food, they think of kimchi, Korea's staple side dish of spicy pickled cabbage, which accompanies almost every Korean meal. A traditional Korean meal allows you to sample a bit of everything. A variety of dishes and condiments are commonly shared among those sitting at a table. Utensils are chopsticks and a spoon used in separate hands.

Korean cuisine has something for everyone---meat lovers will no doubt welcome dishes such as galbi (marinated short ribs) and bulgogi (marinated sliced beef), while others will love favorites such as bibimbap and Korea’s rich noodle dishes. To finish off a meal, Korea has a plethora of traditional rice cakes and teas as well as traditional alcohols that visitors will enjoy.

We look forward to see you in Seoul this April!