Seoul: a vibrant capital combining tradition and modernity

The yin and yang emblazoned on South Korea's flag represent the perfect balance - an ideal that is reflected in its capital, Seoul. After the armistice in 1953, a modern Seoul flourished. The city of Seoul is characterised by stunning architecture, a vibrant culture and a thriving economy - all testament to the capital's resilience.

The Korean peninsula is an undiscovered part of East Asia - a land of pine mountains, misty archipelagos and emerald green rice paddies, dotted with livable urban areas.

Once a poor, war-torn nation, it has since grown in just 50 years to become one of Asia's most important financial cities. Surprisingly, its traditions and customs have remained intact. Seoul perfectly blends its history, its cutting-edge technology and its promise for the future.

Gyeongbok Palace - the oldest and largest of the five palaces of the Joseon dynasty - stands in well-kept grounds just a few minutes from Seoul city centre. Nearby, the single-storey wooden houses of Bukchon village stand in stark contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers. The tiled roofs of the wooden hanok (traditional house) gently make their way towards the granite rocks of Bukhansan, the world's most visited national park.

Miraculously, Seoul's past and present do not clash; rather, they complement each other. This harmonious blend of old and new is the secret of Seoul's beauty, indeed a principle of life.

The Korean capital is alive, with frenetic activity during the day and neon lights in the evening. Your eardrums respond to the clamour of walkers during the day and the night-time noise of a thousand karaoke halls.

Seoul is home to an almost infinite number of bustling markets and shopping centres selling everything from fresh fish to top-of-the-range fashion at the COEX Mall, Asia's largest underground shopping centre.

As for the Korean people themselves, they are a delight: fiercely proud, and with a character almost as spicy as their food, they are open-minded and ready to welcome foreigners who come to live or holiday in their country.

You quickly make new friends and end up adopting the same lifestyle: walking near the mountains; having lunch and enjoying a delicious grilled galbi; singing the night away in a noraebang (karaoke room). Few travellers leave without a fuss, proving just how kind Koreans are.

Seoul at a glance: The estimated population is 10.29 million in 2019, but including the surrounding area, that number rises to 25.6 million, making it the second largest metropolitan area in the world. With such a large workforce driving its economy, it's no wonder that Seoul is the 4th most economically powerful city, behind Tokyo, New York and Los Angeles.

Seoul has made headlines in recent years in the technology, automotive and entertainment sectors. Korean brands such as Samsung and Hyundai have risen to international fame, and culturally, people around the world watch K-dramas and listen to K-pop. The country has also become a hotbed for cosmetics and almost everyone enjoys Korean food! Needless to say, South Korea is booming, and at the centre of all this excitement is Seoul.

This city and its people have a very special soul. From palaces to markets, from food to shopping to meeting the locals, this unique destination is a personal experience.