Seoul

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a mega-city with a population of more than 10 million living in a density almost twice as high as New York. Almost entirely destroyed during the Korean War (1950-53), Seoul has recovered to be nowadays one of the world's top ten financial and commercial centers. Seoul has great modern architecture (for example at the Dongdaemun design plaza), and is becoming a greener city, restoring the Cheonggyecheon river to create a urban park.

History is also still very present. Seoul is graced with three UNESCO World Heritage Sites associated with the Joseon dynasty: the royal tombs at Samreung Gongwon, the Jongmyo Shrine housing the spirit tablets, and the Changdokgung palace. At the Gyeongbokgung palace - one of the five royal palaces - the changing of the guard offers a lively pagentry. Below the modern high-rises of Seoul, there are neighborhoods of traditional homes (Hanok), and streets full of stores and food vendors. Above them, one can hike to the Namsan mountain and its N Seoul Tower, a popular dating spot, or to Inwangsan, a sacred mountain where shamanist worship continues.