Seoul Broadcasting System

Type	Broadcast radio and television
Country	South Korea
Availability	National
Slogan	See the Bright Tomorrow
Revenue	₩850+ billion
Owner	SBS Media Holdings (30.31%) National Pension Service (6.98%) Mirae Asset (6.02%)
Key people	Yoon Se-young (Chairman), Ha Geum-Ryeol (President)
Launch date	December 9, 1991 (Radio, Television) 2001 (Digital Television)
Picture format	1080i (HDTV)
Official website	www.sbs.co.kr

SBS broadcasting center in Seoul, South Korea

Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) KRX: 034120 is a national South Korean television and radio network. It is the only private commercial broadcaster with wide regional Network affiliates to operate in the country. On March 17, 2009, the company legally became known as SBS, changing its corporate name from Seoul Broadcasting System (서울방송그룹). Seoul Broadcasting System (서울방송그룹) is still commonly used today. SBS TV transmits on Channel 6 for Analog and Digital, Channel 59 for Cable.

History[link]

SBS was launched and formed on the day MBC celebrated its 30th Anniversary on October 9, 1991. SBS is the second commercial broadcaster in South Korea after MBC (Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation). The purpose was to become an attractive and alternative channel to the audience that before 1990 mastered by Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). In 1980s, MBC was a mouthpiece of the KBS to broadcast sporting events like the FIFA World Cup 1986. After the democratic reform in 1987, as well as the separation of MBC from KBS, the government allowed having a second commercial station in Seoul on November 14, 1990. SBS began trial transmissions on its television and radio channels on December 1, 1990 in Seoul. The first regular SBS broadcasts was launched on March 20, 1991. Initially SBS only broadcast terrestrially in Seoul and its surrounding areas.

With the opening of the television and radio broadcast, SBS was first aired the inaugurated speech by the then-president of South Korea Roh Tae-woo. Starting from the day on December 9, 1991, SBS started broadcasting at 15:00 in Seoul with the 30th anniversary program of MBC with the title, "The Day of Birth of MBC and SBS". The program recapped events between December 1961 to the date of December 9, 1991 which was designated as the "The Day of Birth of SBS". MBC and SBS celebrated birthdays again in December 2001, with the title "The Day of Birth of MBC and SBS 2001" that aired on MBC and SBS.

During its early months, SBS broadcast only live events because the production budget for broadcasting live events was cheaper than the budget for in-house produced programs. Everyday, SBS' viewership started to increase in the Greater Seoul area. The government finally allowed to broadcast freely on October 9, 1992. The government also at the same time accepted application for private broadcasting stations in regions like Busan. Later, SBS planned for a television and radio broadcast affiliate network that aims to show SBS' programs in other regional channels like Busan radio and television channels by the KNN (Korea New Network).

On October 1994, SBS launched the national television network with new local stations. Private broadcasting stations in regions like Daegu also began broadcasting. SBS, along with KNN, TJB, and TBC, has managed a network that aims to show SBS programs in other regional channels like Daegu radio and television channels by the TBC (Daegu Broadcasting Corporation).

SBS introduced its current logo on November 14, 2000 after its 10th anniversary celebrations and new corporate identity (CI) expression proclaimed a vision of a comprehensive broadcasting group and SBS to ensure the overall coherence of the current identity.

Design firm Infinite has made elements to the corporate identity which includes human-centered, cultural and creative, future-oriented management philosophy and symbolism. SBS' logo has three embryos placed in a circle of the model where three colors are used to represent the symbol of human-centered, cultural and creative, future-oriented management philosophy, showing that the 'life' and 'the seeds of civilization' has centered on the theme of SBS.

The introduction of SBS' current corporate branding means that SBS is able adapt to the paradigm and multimedia, enhancing its social image, multi-channel broadcasting, competition among other broadcasters, its competitiveness and at the time of the employee is expected to contribute to armed morality.

SBS' branding is used in all sectors such as vehicle, microphone, envelopes, business cards, memorabilia, helicopter, signs, ganpanryu, seosikryu, uniforms, program title, etc. SBS also had used the slogan "Humanism thru Digital" until January 2010 where a new slogan is currently used. The slogan for the digital age will continue to lead a comprehensive visual media group which is representing the will of SBS. Gomi is the mascot of SBS-oriented as the new face of 'Humanism thru Digital' through the harmony of nature and human life where green environment is important.

SBS Channels[link]

• 1 terrestrial TV (HLSQ-TV)
• 2 radio stations

• 6 cable TV channels (SBS Plus SBS E! ESPN Korea SBS CNBC SBS MTV)

Family companies[link]

Programs[link]

Dramas[link]

• Rooftop Prince (attic price; 2012)
• Salamander Guru and The Shadows (Sitcom) (도롱뇽도사와 그림자 조작단; 2012)
• The Musical (더 뮤지컬; 2011)
• Protect the Boss (보스를 지켜라; 2011)
• Scent Of A Woman (여인의 향기; 2011)
• City Hunter (시티헌터; 2011)
• Lie To Me (내게 거짓말을 해봐; 2011)
• New Tales of Gisaeng (신기생뎐; 2011)
• Midas (마이더스; 2011)
• 49 Days (49일; 2011)
• Paradise Ranch (파라다이스 목장; 2011)
• Athena: Goddess of War (아테나: 전쟁의 여신; 2010–2011)
• Secret Garden (시크릿 가든; 2010–2011)
• It's Okay, Daddy's Girl (괜찮아, 아빠 딸; 2010–2011)
• Giant (자이언트; 2010)
• Dr. Champ (닥터 챔프; 2010)
• My Girlfriend is a Nine-Tailed Fox (내 여자친구는 구미호; 2010)
• I am Legend (나는 전설이다; 2010)
• Bad Guy (나쁜 남자; 2010)
• Coffee House (커피하우스; 2010)
• Oh My Lady (오! 마이 레이디; 2010)
• Prosecutor Princess (검사 프린세스; 2010)
• Obstetrics and Gynecology Doctors (산부인과; 2010)
• Jejoongwon (제중원; 2010)
• Loving You a Thousand Times (천만번 사랑해 2009–2010)
• Stars Falling From The Sky (2009–2010)
• Will It Snow For Christmas? (크리스마스에 눈이 올까요?; 2009–2010)
• Temptation of an Angel (천사의 유혹;2009)
• Wife Returns (아내가 돌아왔다; 2009)
• Two Wives (두 아내; 2009)
• You're Beautiful (미남이시네요; 2009)
• Swallow the Sun (태양을 삼켜라; 2009)
• Brilliant Legacy (찬란한 유산; 2009)
• Dream (드림; 2009)
• Princess Ja Myung Go (자명고; 2009)
• Family's Honor (가문의 영광; 2008–2009)
• Temptation of a Wife (아내의 유혹; 2008–2009)
• Terroir (떼루아; 2008–2009)
• Tazza (타짜; 2008)
• Star's Lover (스타의 연인; 2008)
• Gourmet (식객; 2008)
• Iljimae (일지매; 2008)
• Painter of the Wind (바람의 화원; 2008)
• Golden Bride (황금신부; 2007–2008)
• The King and I (왕과 나; 2007–2008)
• Surgeon Bong Dal-Hee (외과의사 봉달희; 2007)
• Money's War (쩐의 전쟁; 2007)
• My Husband's Woman (내 남자의 여자;2007)
• Witch Yoo Hee (마녀유희; 2007)
• Yeon Gaesomun (연개소문; 2006–2007)
• Alone in Love (연애시대; 2006)
• Smile Again (스마일 어게인; 2006)
• Love In Heaven (하늘이시여; 2005)
• Spring Days (봄날; 2005)
• Green Rose (그린로즈; 2005)
• Princess Lulu (루루공주; 2005)
• Only You (온리유; 2005)
• Woman of the House (불량주부; 2005)
• My Girl (2005)
• Single Again (돌아온 싱글; 2005)
• Save the Last Dance For Me (마지막 춤은 나와 함께; 2004–2005)
• Something Happened in Bali (발리에서 생긴일; 2004)
• Love Story in Harvard (러브스토리 인 하버드; 2004)
• Lovers in Paris (파리의 연인; 2004)
• Stairway to Heaven (천국의 계단: 2003-2004)
• All In (올인; 2003)
• Guardian Angel (수호천사; 2001)
• Piano (2001)
• Fireworks (불꽃; 2001)
• Popcorn (팝콘; 2000)
• Sandglass (모래시계; 1995)

News[link]

• SBS 8 News (SBS 8 뉴스, Main news programme)
• Let's Go! Morning Wide (출발! 모닝와이드, breakfast programme)
• SBS Life Economy (SBS 생활경제)
• SBS 12 News (SBS 12 뉴스, lunchtime programme)
• SBS News Parade (SBS 뉴스퍼레이드, Evening programme)
• SBS Night Line (SBS 나이트라인, Midnight programme)
• SBS News (SBS 뉴스)
• SBS Sports News (SBS 스포츠뉴스)
• Sports Tonight (스포츠 투나잇)
• Sunday News Plus (선데이 뉴스 플러스)
• Weather & Life (날씨와 생활)

Upcoming Dramas[link]

Intelligent・Communication[link]

Music・Variety[link]

• SBS Popular Song/The Music Trend (SBS 인기가요)
• Truth Game (진실게임)
• Real Situation Saturday: Real Romance Love Letter (실제상황 토요일 - 리얼로망스 연애편지 | 2004-2007)
• Good Sunday: X-Man (일요일이 좋다 - X맨 | 2003~2007)
• Good Sunday: Haja-Go! (일요일이 좋다 - 하자고! | 2007)
• Good Sunday: The Heroines(일요일이 좋다 - 영웅호걸 | 2010-2011)
• Line Up (이경규ㆍ김용만의 라인업)
• Quiz Hexagon (퀴즈! 육감대결)
• Star King (놀라운 대회 스타!킹)
• Identity (공통점을 찾아라)
• Kim Jung Eun's Chocolate (김정은의 초콜릿)
• Battle 8 vs 1 (대결! 8 대 1)
• Challenge 1000 Songs (도전! 1000곡)
• Live Entertainment Tonight (생방송 TV연예)
• People looking for laughter (웃찾사 | 2003-2010)
• Late Night Talk Show (야심만만 | 2003-2008)
• Capture! How in the world!? (Korean) (순간 포착 세상에 이런일이)(1998-present) (tel:82-2-2113-3333) [1]
• Strong Heart(강심장 | 2009–present)
• Intimate Note (절친노트)
• Family Outing (June 15, 2008–2010)
• Idol Maknae Rebellion (November 7, 2009 – Present)
• Waving the Korean Flag (태극기 휘날리며 May 2, 2010)
• Good Sunday: Running Man (일요일이 좋다 - 런닝맨 | July 11, 2010 – Present)

Animation・Movies・TV Series[link]

• SBS Movie Express (SBS 영화특급)
• SBS Cine Club (SBS 시네클럽)
• SBS Anigally (SBS 애니갤러리)
• Carrusel (천사들의 합창)
• Sonic the Hedgehog (고슴도치 소닉)
• Demetan Croaker, The Boy Frog (개구리 왕눈이)
• Martian Successor Nadesico (기동전함 나데카)
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987 TV series) (거북이 특공대)
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003 TV series) (거북이 특공대 Z)
• The Irresponsible Captain Tylor (캡틴 테일러)
• Science Ninja Team Gatchaman (독수리 오형제)
• Mirmo! (미르모 퐁퐁퐁, ミルモ ポンポンポン!)
• Futari wa Pretty Cure (빛의 전사 프리큐어)
• Origami Fighters (접지전사 | Title Song: TVXQ)
• Duel Masters (듀얼 마스터즈)
• Crayon Shin-chan (짱구는 못말려)
• Olympus Guardian (올림포스 가디언)
• W.I.T.C.H. (마법소녀 위치)
• Tom and Jerry (톰과 제리)
• Teen Titans (틴 타이탄)
• Beyblade (탑블레이드, Top Blade)
• Beyblade 2 (탑블레이드V, Top Blade V)
• Super Korean (슈퍼 코리언)
• Speed Racer (달려라 번개호)
• Pokémon (anime) (포켓몬스터)
• Tokyo Mew Mew (베리베리 뮤우뮤우, Berry Berry Mew Mew)
• Aqua Kids (아쿠아 키즈)
• Yu-Gi-Oh (유희왕)
• Dragon Ball (드래곤볼)
• Mashin Hero Wataru (미래전사 드래곤 파이터)
• Ragnarok the Animation (마법신화 라그나로크)
• Giga Tribe (기가 트라이브)
• White Mind Dog (하얀마음 백구)
• Transformers: Armada (은하영웅 사이버트론, Cybertron)
• Hamtaro (방가방가 햄토리, Banga Banga Hamtori)
• Cardcaptor Sakura (카드캡터 체리, Cardcaptor Cherry)
• Animal Yokocho (두근두근 비밀친구)
• The Prince of Tennis (테니스의 왕자)
• Winx Club (윙스 프렌즈, Winx Friends)
• MapleStory (메이플스토리)
• Dooly the Little Dinosaur (아기공룡 둘리)
• My Friend Haechi (내 친구 해치)
• Zoobles (쥬블스)
• Scan2Go (스캔2고)
• Magi-Nation (마법의 별, 매지네이션)
• Hello Jadoo (안녕? 자두야!)
• Kaasan Mom's Life (매일엄마)

Logo History[link]

SBS new CI since 2000.

Foreign Partners[link]

See also[link]

• List of Korea-related topics
• List of South Korean broadcasting networks
• List of television networks

External links[link]

• Official Site (Korean) - SBS Korea
• SBS Global (Korean)
• SBS Global (English)
• History of SBS's first 10 years

Coordinates: 37°31′44″N 126°52′26″E / 37.52884°N 126.873881°E / 37.52884; 126.873881

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Seoul 서울
—  Special City  —
Seoul Special City
transcription(s)
• Hangul	서울특별시
• Hanja	首爾特別市[1]
• Revised Romanization	Seoul Teukbyeolsi
• McCune-Reischauer	Sŏul T'ŭkpyŏlsi
From top left: 63 Building, Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, Dongdaemun Fashion District, N Seoul Tower, Downtown Gangnam and Samsung Town, Cheonggye Stream, Gwanghwamun Gate & Plaza with King Sejong's statue and Magic Island in Lotte World
Flag of Seoul Flag Official logo of Seoul Emblem of Seoul
Map of South Korea with Seoul highlighted
Seoul Location of Seoul in South Korea
Coordinates: 37°33′59.53″N 126°58′40.69″E / 37.5665361°N 126.9779694°E / 37.5665361; 126.9779694Coordinates: 37°33′59.53″N 126°58′40.69″E / 37.5665361°N 126.9779694°E / 37.5665361; 126.9779694
Country	South Korea
Region	Seoul National Capital Area
Districts	25 Dobong District (도봉구; 道峰區) Dongdaemun District (동대문구; 東大門區) Dongjak District (동작구; 銅雀區) Eunpyeong District (은평구; 恩平區) Gangbuk District (강북구; 江北區) Gangdong District (강동구; 江東區) Gangnam District (강남구; 江南區) Gangseo District (강서구; 江西區) Geumcheon District (금천구; 衿川區) Guro District (구로구; 九老區) Gwanak District (관악구; 冠岳區) Gwangjin District (광진구; 廣津區) Jongno District (종로구; 鍾路區) Jung District (중구; 中區) Jungnang District (중랑구; 中浪區) Mapo District (마포구; 麻浦區) Nowon District (노원구; 蘆原區) Seocho District (서초구; 瑞草區) Seodaemun District (서대문구; 西大門區) Seongbuk District (성북구; 城北區) Seongdong District (성동구; 城東區) Songpa District (송파구; 松坡區) Yangcheon District (양천구; 陽川區) Yeongdeungpo District (영등포구; 永登浦區) Yongsan District (용산구; 龍山區)
Government
• Type	Seoul Metropolitan Government Mayor-Council
• Mayor	Park Won-soon (Democratic United)
• Council	Seoul Metropolitan Council
• National Representation  - National Assembly	43 / 299 14.4% (Total Seats) 43 / 245 17.6% (Constituency Seats) List Dobong-gu Gap district Shin Ji Ho (Saenuri) Dobong-gu Eul district Kim Seondong (Saenuri) Dongdaemun-gu Gap district Currently empty Dongdaemun-gu Eul district Hong Joon Pyo (Saenuri) Dongjak-gu Gap district Jun Byung-Hun (Democratic United) Dongjak-gu Eul district Chung Mong Joon (Saenuri) Eunpyeong-gu Gap district Lee Mikyung (Democratic United) Eunpyeong-gu Eul district Lee Jae Oh (Saenuri) Gangbuk-gu Gap district Cheong Yang Seog (Saenuri) Gangbuk-gu Eul district Choe Kyoo Sik (Democratic United) Gangdong-gu Gap district Kim Choong Whan (Saenuri) Gangdong-gu Eul district Yoon Seok Yong (Saenuri) Gangnam-gu Gap district Lee Jong-koo (Saenuri) Gangnam-gu Eul district Currently empty Gangseo-gu Gap district Gu Sang Chan (Saenuri) Gangseo-gu Eul district Kim Sung Tae (Saenuri) Geumcheon-gu district Ahn Hyoung Hwan (Saenuri) Guro-gu Gap district Lee Bum Rae (Saenuri) Guro-gu Eul district Park Young-Sun (Democratic United) Gwanak-gu Gap district Kin Song-Sik (Independent) Gwanak-gu Eul district Kim Hee-chull (Independent) Gwangjin-gu Gap district Kwon Teag Ky (Saenuri) Gwangjin-gu Eul district Choo Mi Ae (Democratic United) Jongno-gu district Park Jin (Saenuri) Jung-gu district Currently empty Jungnang-gu Gap district You Jung Hyun (Independent) Jungnang-gu Eul district Jin Seong Ho (Independent) Mapo-gu Gap district Kang Seung Kyoo (Saenuri) Mapo-gu Eul district Kang Yong Seok (Independent) Nowon-gu Gap district Currently empty Nowon-gu Byeong district Hong Jungwook (Saenuri) Seocho-gu Gap district Lee Hyehoon (Saenuri) Seocho-gu Eul district Koh Seungduk (Saenuri) Seodaemun-gu Gap district Lee Sung Hun (Saenuri) Seodaemun-gu Eul district Chung Doo-Un (Saenuri) Seongbuk-gu Gap district Jeong Tae Keun (Independent) Seongbuk-gu Eul district Currently Empty Seongdong-gu Gap district Chin Soo Hee (Saenuri) Seongdong-gu Eul district Kim Dong Sung (Saenuri) Songpa-gu Gap district Park Youngah (Saenuri) Songpa-gu Eul district Yoo Ilho (Saenuri) Songpa-gu Byeong district Kim Sung Soon (Democratic United) Yangcheon-Gu Gap district Won Hee-Ryong (Saenuri) Yangcheon-Gu Eul district Kim Yongtae (Saenuri) Yeongdeungpo-gu Gap district Chun Yu-Ok (Korea Vision) Yeongdeungpo-gu Eul district Kwon Young Se (Saenuri) Yongsan-gu district Chin Young (Saenuri)
Area[2]
• Special City	605.28 km2 (233.70 sq mi)
Population (2010[3])
• Special City	9,794,304
• Density	16,000/km2 (42,000/sq mi)
• Metro	23,616,000
• Demonym	Seoulite,서울시민(Seoul simin)
• Dialect	Seoul
Bird	Korean Magpie
Color	Seoul Red[4]
Flower	Forsythia
Font	Seoul fonts(Han River and (Namsan (Seoul)
Mascot	Haechi
Slogan	“함께 만드는 서울, 함께 누리는 서울”(Literally "Seoul We Create Together, Seoul We Enjoy Together")
Song	"서울의 빛"("The Lights of Seoul")
Tree	Ginkgo
Website	seoul.go.kr

This article contains Korean text. Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead of Hangul or Hanja.

Seoul (Korean pronunciation: [sʌ.ul] ( listen), English /soʊl/), officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world.^[5] The Seoul National Capital Area is the world's second largest metropolitan area with over 25 million^[6] inhabitants, which includes the surrounding Incheon metropolis and Gyeonggi province. Almost a quarter of South Koreans live in Seoul, half of South Koreans live in the metropolitan area, along with over 275,000 international residents.^[7]

Located in the Han River, Seoul has been a major settlement for over 2,000 years, with its foundation dating back to 18 B.C. when Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, established its capital in what is now south-east Seoul. It continued as the capital of Korea during the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire. The Seoul National Capital Area is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Changdeokgung, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo Shrine and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty.^[8]

Today, Seoul is considered to be a leading global city, ranking among eighth in the Global Cities Index of 2012^[9] and seventh in the Global Power City Index of 2011. The metropolis is involved in many global affairs, exerting rising influence as the host of the fifth most international conferences worldwide in 2010.^[10] It is one of the world's top ten financial and commercial centers,^[11] home to major multinational conglomerates^[12] such as Samsung, LG and Hyundai-Kia. In 2008, Seoul was named the world's sixth most economically powerful city by Forbes.^[13] Seoul was voted the top travel destination by Chinese, Japanese and Thai tourists for a third consecutive year in 2011.^[14]

Seoul has a highly technologically advanced infrastructure.^[15][16] It was the world's first city to introduce mobile TV DMB and wireless broadband WiBro, both serviced in all subway lines and buses along with 4G LTE and WiFi. It has the world's fastest 100 Mbit/s broadband network, which at 34.4% has the highest penetration in the world.^[17] Seoul Station is the main terminal of the KTX bullet train and the Seoul Subway is the world's second most highly used, featuring the longest circular line and second longest fully underground line in the world.^[18] Seoul has a unified public transportation system with Incheon and Gyeonggi, allowing passengers to transfer freely from either subway or bus using the T-money smart card and is connected via AREX to Incheon International Airport, rated the best airport worldwide since 2005 by Airports Council International.

Seoul hosted the 1986 Asian Games, 1988 Summer Olympics, 2002 FIFA World Cup and the 2010 G-20 Seoul summit. The city was named the World Design Capital for 2010 by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design.

Name[link]

The city has been known in the past by the names Wirye-seong (위례성; 慰禮城, Baekje era), Hanju (한주; 漢州, Silla era), Namgyeong (남경; 南京, Goryeo era), Hanseong (한성; 漢城, Baekje and Joseon era), Hanyang (한양; 漢陽, Joseon era), Gyeongseong (경성; 京城, during colonial era).^[19] Its current name originated from the Korean word meaning "capital city," which is believed to be derived from the word, Seorabeol (서라벌; 徐羅伐), which originally referred to Gyeongju, the capital of Silla.^[20]

Unlike most place names in Korea, "Seoul" has no corresponding hanja (Chinese characters used in the Korean language). On January 18, 2005, Seoul government officially changed its official Chinese language name to Shou'er (simplified Chinese: 首尔; traditional Chinese: 首爾; pinyin: shǒu'ěr) from the historic Hanseong (simplified Chinese: 汉城; traditional Chinese: 漢城; pinyin: hànchéng), whose use is still common though.^[21][22][23]

History[link]

Donggwoldo, the landscape painting of Changdeokgung

Settlement began in Baekje, Wirye-seong, in 17 BC. The location of that site is thought to be within the boundaries of modern day Seoul, and the remains may be at Pungnap Toseong or Mongchon Toseong. It became the capital of the Joseon Dynasty in 1394. There were some modernization efforts by the late 19th century and Seoul became the first city in East Asia to have electricity, trolley cars, water, telephone, and telegraph systems all at the same time.^[24] During the Japanese colonial period in the early 20th century, the city was called Gyeongseong (경성, lit. "Capital City"; Japanese: Keijō (京城^?)). After independence in 1945, Koreans renamed the city Seoul (which also means "Capital City" in Korean). In 1949, Seoul was separated from Gyeonggi Province and was granted status as "Seoul Special City". In 1950, during the Korean War, Seoul was occupied by North Korean troops and the city was almost entirely destroyed. The city was retaken by UN Forces on 14 March 1951. Since then, the city boundary has steadily grown into surrounding administrative divisions of Gimpo, Goyang, Gwangju, Shiheung, and Yangju counties. The current boundaries were established in 1995.

Namdaemun in 1890s

Geography[link]

Cheonggyecheon

Seoul as viewed from space

Seoul is in the northwest of South Korea. Seoul proper comprises 605.25 km²,^[2] with a radius of approximately 15 km, roughly bisected into northern and southern halves by the Han River. The Han River and its surrounding area played an important role in Korean history. The Three Kingdoms of Korea strove to take control of this land, where the river was used as a trade route to China (via the Yellow Sea). The river is no longer actively used for navigation, because its estuary is located at the borders of the two Koreas, with civilian entry barred. The city is bordered by eight mountains, as well as the more level lands of the Han River plain and western areas.

Climate[link]

Seoul has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cwa), but it is close to a humid continental climate. Summers are generally hot and humid, with the East Asian monsoon taking place from June until July. August, the warmest month, has an average temperature of 22.4 to 29.6 °C (72 to 85 °F) with higher temperatures possible. Winters are often relatively cold with an average January temperature of -5.9 to 1.5 °C (21.4 to 34.7 °F) and are generally much drier than summers, with an average of 28 days of snow annually.