population: 9.7 million

extension: 605.21 square kilometers

Museums

A great museum to visit in Seoul is the National Museum of Korea, which features a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits on Korean history and culture. Other museums in the area that may be of interest include the Seoul Museum of History, the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, and the Seoul Arts Center, which houses multiple exhibition halls and performance spaces.

Food

Some of the most popular and typical dishes to eat in Seoul, according to local people, include:

1. Kimchi: A traditional side dish made from salted and fermented vegetables, usually Napa cabbage or radish.

2. Bibimbap: A rice bowl dish that typically includes a variety of vegetables, meat, egg, and chili paste mixed together.

3. Korean Fried Chicken: Crispy fried chicken served with a sweet and spicy sauce.

4. Samgyetang: A soup made with a whole young chicken filled with glutinous rice, ginseng, garlic, and jujube.

5. Jajangmyeon: Noodles with a thick black bean sauce and diced pork and vegetables.

6. Bulgogi: Thinly sliced marinated beef or pork grilled to perfection.

7. Tteokbokki: Spicy rice cakes cooked in a red chili paste-based sauce and often served with fish cakes and hard-boiled eggs.

8. Mandu: Korean dumplings filled with various ingredients such as pork, beef, or vegetables.

9. Haemul Pajeon: A savory pancake filled with scallions and seafood such as squid, shrimp or octopus.

10. Bingsu: A shaved ice dessert typically topped with sweet red beans, fruit, condensed milk, and other toppings.

Activities

Sure! Here are some fun activities that locals enjoy in Seoul:

1. Hiking: Seoul is surrounded by beautiful mountains and hills, and hiking is a popular activity for locals. Bukhansan National Park, Namsan Mountain, and Gwanaksan Mountain are all great options.

2. Visiting traditional markets: Seoul has many traditional markets where locals shop for fresh produce, street food, and handmade goods. Some of the most popular markets include Namdaemun Market, Gwangjang Market, and Dongdaemun Market.

3. Relaxing in a jjimjilbang: A jjimjilbang is a Korean-style sauna and spa where you can relax in hot tubs, saunas, and cold rooms. Locals often spend hours at these facilities, which are open 24/7.

4. Attending a K-pop concert: K-pop is a huge industry in Korea, and attending a concert or fan meeting is a popular activity for fans. Check out the schedules of popular groups like BTS, Blackpink, and Twice to see if they have any upcoming events.

5. Trying local street food: Seoul is known for its delicious street food, and trying new dishes is a favorite pastime for locals. Some must-try foods include tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste), and hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar and cinnamon).