Established 100 years before Columbus discovered the Americas, Seoul is both the capital and the heart of the Republic of Korea, containing about 10.2 million of the nation's 45 million people. Seoul was a seat of government during the Paekche Kingdom (18B.C.-660), and the capital of the Choson Dynasty from 1394 to 1910. The vestiges of the Choson Dynasty, famed for its cultural achievements and various other accomplishments, are still prominent features of the city's landscape.

Seoul's rich heritage is evidenced by its palaces, shrines and monuments. For both the serious student of Korean history and the casual sightseer, Seoul holds a wealth of lore about Korea and its people. There are few cities in the world where the ultramodern and the ancient exist side by side in such harmony.

Seoul hosts a variety of concerts, operas, and recitals by local and visiting musicians. The Seoul Arts Center located in the southern part of Seoul, the Sejong Cultural Center, located on the main thoroughfare in downtown Seoul, the National Theater in Mt. Namsan Park, and the Ho-Am Art Hall near City Hall, all offer a wide range of cultural events and performances. The Seoul Arts Center, in particular, boasts a wide-range of cultural attractions. Its facilities include several large and small-sized concert halls, a calligraphy hall, small art galleries, a library, an opera house as well as a lush outdoor area. It is also the home of the National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts.

Korea House, located at the center of Seoul, is an old-style Korean mansion which provides further insight into Korean traditions and customs. Expertly prepared Korean-style meals are available, as are programs of folk music and dancing. A visit to Korea House is especially worthwhile for those with only a little time to spare. The following are the major tourist attractions in Seoul.

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