Asian Network of Major Cities 21

Seoul rates as one of the largest cities in the world with a population of 10.3 million. It has one of the highest population densities in the world ranking with Barcelona and Paris. Although Seoul has high-rise buildings, a heavily concentrated population along with various urban problems, in 1994 when it celebrated its 600th anniversary as Korea's capital, its centuries-old royal palaces, temples, pagodas and imposing stone gateways set in huge traditional gardens still remained timely and elegant. Seoul is not only the political, economic and educational hub of Korea, but will surely make major contributions to the economic development of Northeast Asia in the 21st century.The large-scale Namdaemun and Dongdaemun Markets, not only serve Seoul citizens but also function as nationwide wholesale markets.

Total area ：　606ｋm²

Natural environment ：　 the center of Seoul is 30 kilometers inland from the Yellow Sea / the Han river divides the city into two parts / mountains around the city make beautiful scenery

Climate / annual average temperature / annual average precipitation ：　 Continental mild climate Average temperature:13.8ºC Average precipitation:1,200mm

Urban problems ：　traffic jam/air pollution/solid waste/housing

Urban planning ：　Urban planning system is similar to that of Japan

Ethnicity and language(s) ：　Korean / Korean

Population (2009)：　10,460,000

Outline：　about 25% of the GDP comes from the city/the center of the nation's economy

Major industry and main produce：　financial, information, and services industry