Seoul, South Korea

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a fast-moving modern metropolis and one of the largest cities in the world, with a population of 10.2 million as of 2013. With its abundant cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and modern infrastructure, Seoul is a world-class tourist destination, offering tourists a dynamic mix of culture, entertainment, dining, and shopping experiences. Indeed, Seoul received an estimated 10.04 million foreign tourists in 2013, up one million from a year earlier and about 80% of all 12.18 million foreign visitors to South Korea.

The total number of international visitors to South Korea has witnessed a steady growth over the past 10 years. In particular, the number of foreign visitors has seen double-digit growth since 2009 except in 2013 (9.3%), [Page 1081]and its ...