Seoul is mega-modern and appealingly ancient. Partially destroyed by Japanese and Manchu invasions in the 16th and 17th centuries, and almost totally flattened in the Korean War, most of the city has been rebuilt since the 1950s. Peeking out from among the 12-lane freeways, overshadowed by high-rises, Seoul still retains a hidden history of centuries-old temples, palaces, pagodas and pleasure gardens. It also has luxury accommodation, excellent public transport and cultural experiences aplenty, and that's why most visitors to South Korea never get past its city limits. The Han River bisects the city, with Jung-gu the central district, Jongno-gu (with many hotels and sights) to the north, and Itaewon (packed full of shopping, bars and nightlife) just south of the city centre.

Seoul attracted widespread international attention by hosting the 1988 Olympic Games, though political pressure and labour problems spilled into the streets for the world to see. The city again took the world's centre stage in 2000, when a busload of North Koreans saw their families for the first time in 50 years in a tearful reunion at the Seoul Convention and Exhibition Center.

The 2002 World Cup, for which Seoul built a huge stadium in the shape of a Korean kite symbolising hope for national unity and world peace, brought many new visitors to this intiguing city where old co-exists with new and where East and West enjoy each other's company.

Local Travel Agent(s):
	Global Network Inc.
	Address: 1, Gongpyung-Dong, Jongro-Ku, Seoul Korea, South Phone: +82 2 733 7800, 733 7808, Fax: +82 2733 8540
	Wannatour.Com
	Address: 701 Hyobong Bld, 1306-1 Seo Cho Dong, Seo Cho Gu, Seoul Korea, South Phone: +82 2 3477 7555, 3477 75 82, Fax: +82 2 3477 1863
	Korea Thru Travel
	Address: Hana Building 3F, 274-20, Hongeun-Dong, Seodaemun-Gu., Seoul Korea, South Phone: +82 2 396 8868, Fax: +65 62341401
	Wannie Choe
	Address: Main Office:#201 Welfare Foundation Bldg 95, Mukyo Dong, Choong-Ku, Seoul, Korea Pyung Tek Branch:302-84, Shin Jang Dong, Kyung Gi Do, Pyung Tek, Korea Phone: +82 31 664 2202, 664 2442, Fax: +82 31 667 2011
	Webbiztravel Inc.
	Address: 178-16, Amsa 2-Dong, Kangdong-Ku, Seoul, Korea 134-052 Phone: +82 2 3427 0054, Fax: +82 2 3427 3254