This sprawling city is easy to get around by public transport and offers a wide range of things to do.

Firstly there are many historical attractions to visit: palaces, pagodas, temples and museums (including the sixth largest in the world) in the Gwanghwamun district.

Contrast this with the sensuous pleasure, at any time, of sampling its unique and interesting food.

Then there's dipping into traditional tea houses, shopping till you drop and night-long entertainment from cultural performances to singing karaoke, from clubbing to snacking in night markets.

In addition, there are activities as diverse as tae kwon do and cooking lessons to temple stays and a trip to the DMZ (demilitarized zone) along the border with North Korea.

Nature is found on the doorstep, along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, in the woods below Mount Namsan and in climbing rock faces in the national parks in the city surrounds.

Note that many tourist attractions and the Seoul City Tour Bus, are closed on Mondays.

Korea Tourism Organisation
40 Cheonggyecheon-no, Jung-gu
Tel: (02) 7299 497/499 or 1330 (24-hour travel information in English)
Website: www.tour2korea.com

This ultra-modern tourist information centre provides travel information, books, transport and travel packages as well as offering free Internet access, a travel library, souvenir shop and cultural exhibitions.

Visit Seoul
1-31 Taepyeong-ro, Jung-gu
Tel: (02) 2171 2461.
Website: www.visitseoul.net 

This is the city's government information source and publishes useful booklets. 

BBB Korea (tel: 1588 5644; website: www.bbbkorea.org) offers English translation service via mobile phone or contact the Seoul Help Centers' English-speaking helpline (tel: (02) 731 6802).

The Korea Travel Card (KTC) (tel: (02) 1330) is a multipurpose prepaid travel card available from KTO offices and the Shinhan Bank. It also offers discounts at stores, shows and attractions, cheaper overseas calls, a preferential exchange rate and free travel insurance. The KTC Transportation Pass has the above benefits and can also be used to pay for transport.