Seoul is the cosmopolitan capital of Korea. Home to a quarter of Korea's population of 46 million, the city is a hive of activity 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Divided by the Han River, Seoul offers a range of experiences for the visitor. South of the river are the classy boutiques and trendy bars and clubs of Gangnam and Apkujeong. This is probably the most diverse district of Seoul, boasting a wide range of international restaurants, European-style coffee houses and American-style bars among the shopping areas and gleaming office towers.

A popular stomping-ground for Korea's well-heeled young professionals, Gangnam is also home to many of Korea's up and coming technology and Internet businesses, earning it the inevitable sobriquet of "Silicon Alley."

North of the river is the more traditional part of the city, the main business district and many of Korea's cultural treasures. Here are refurbished palaces, Confucian shrines and Buddhist pagodas alongside crowded traditional markets and antique districts.

Seoul has all the amenities one would expect from a 21st Century city along with cultural delights which sometimes seem to have been hidden. Stroll along Insa-dong, Seoul's arts and handicrafts district and stop for a drink in a traditional tea-shop or visit one of the city's deluxe department stores.

In the Itaewon district, where most visitors to Seoul feel most at home. English is widely spoken in the enormous variety of shops, restaurants and bars in this area. A popular place to have clothes and shoes tailor made, Itaewon also has a thriving night life with many clubs and bars that stay open until breakfast. Easier on the pocket than Apkujeong, Itaewon is a good stop for the budget traveller.

For the adventurer, Seoul's two huge traditional markets at Namdaemun and Dongdaemun provide a taste of Korea at its most earthy. The shopper willing to haggle can pick up almost anything at these markets at rock bottom prices. Best shopping hours are midnight to dawn.

Seoul is a city of enormous contrasts and endless excitement. Whether visitors want to shop, stroll, picnic or party, Seoul has it all.

Information

Website: http://worldcup.metro.seoul.kr

Tel: 82-2-3707-8282

Fax: 82-2-3707-8319

Key Facts Name: Seoul World Cup Stadium Type Football Only To Open: November 10 2001 Cost: W206 billion Total Capacity: 64,640 Spectator seats: Under cover: 58,209 Open: 6,468 VIP seats: 816 VIP Boxes: 73 ( 992 seats) Disabled seats: 144

Pitch Size: 117m x 78m Spectator Parking: 2,525 Distances to Stadium From city centre: 10 km From Incheon International Airport: 47 km From Gimpo Airport: 8 km From railway station: 7 km From subway station: 50 m Press Facilities Press seats: 498 Seats with desk and telephone: 600 Space for commentators: 753 Space for photographers: 150

Source: FIFA

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