Seoul

==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of Seoul}}
{{See also|Economy of South Korea}}
[[File:Teheran-ro Yeongdong-daero crossing 7.jpg|right|thumb|[[Gangnam District|Gangnam]] Commercial Area]]
Seoul is the business and financial hub of South Korea. Although it accounts for only 0.6 percent of the nation's land area, 48.3 percent of South Korea's bank deposits were held in Seoul in 2003,<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.lit.osaka-cu.ac.jp/geo/pdf/frombelow/0308_frombelow_yim.pdf|title=Geographical Features of Social Polarization in Seoul, South Korea|last=Yim|first=Seok-hui|editor-last=Mizuuchi|editor-first=Toshio|encyclopedia=Representing Local Places and Raising Voices from Below|publisher=Osaka City University|page=34|access-date=19 April 2016|archive-date=23 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423223541/http://www.lit.osaka-cu.ac.jp/geo/pdf/frombelow/0308_frombelow_yim.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and the city generated 23 percent of the country's GDP overall in 2012.<ref>{{cite book|title=Industrial Policy and Territorial Development: Lessons from Korea|publisher=OECD Development Center|page=58|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SEsoeOgHbOAC&pg=PA58|isbn=9789264173897|date=16 May 2012}}</ref> In 2008 the [[Worldwide Centers of Commerce]] Index ranked Seoul No.9.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mastercard.com/us/company/en/insights/pdfs/2008/MCWW_WCoC-Report_2008.pdf|title=Worldwide Centers of Commerce Index|publisher=[[MasterCard]]|access-date=13 February 2014|archive-date=24 June 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080624211344/http://www.mastercard.com/us/company/en/insights/pdfs/2008/MCWW_WCoC-Report_2008.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Global Financial Centres Index]] in 2015 listed Seoul as the 6th financially most competitive city in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zyen.com/PDF/GFCI%2012.pdf|title=The Global Financial Centres Index 12|publisher=Z/Yen Group|year=2012|access-date=11 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323125707/http://www.zyen.com/PDF/GFCI%2012.pdf|archive-date=23 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[The Economist Intelligence Unit]] ranked Seoul 15th in the list of "Overall 2025 City Competitiveness" regarding future competitiveness of cities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citigroup.com/citi/citiforcities/pdfs/hotspots2025.pdf|title=Hot Spots 2025: Benchmarking the Future Competitiveness of Cities|publisher=[[The Economist Intelligence Unit]]|year=2013|access-date=13 February 2014|archive-date=9 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109040339/http://www.citigroup.com/citi/citiforcities/pdfs/hotspots2025.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Manufacturing===
{{See also|Manufacturing in South Korea}}
The traditional, labor-intensive manufacturing industries have been continuously replaced by [[information technology]], [[electronics]] and assembly-type of industries;<ref name="britannica-economy">{{cite web|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/534948/Seoul/24016/City-layout#toc24019|title=Seoul: Economy|publisher=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]|access-date=13 February 2014|archive-date=22 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222135110/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/534948/Seoul/24016/City-layout#toc24019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.unu.edu/unupress/unupbooks/uu11ee/uu11ee0i.htm|title=The primacy of Seoul and the capital region|publisher=United Nations University|access-date=13 February 2014|archive-date=4 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104072715/http://archive.unu.edu/unupress/unupbooks/uu11ee/uu11ee0i.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> however, food and beverage production, as well as printing and publishing remained among the core industries.<ref name="britannica-economy"/> Major manufacturers are headquartered in the city, including [[Samsung]], [[LG]], [[Hyundai Group|Hyundai]], [[Kia Motors|Kia]] and [[SK Group|SK]]. Notable food and beverage companies include [[Jinro]], whose [[soju]] is the most sold alcoholic drink in the world, beating out [[Smirnoff]] [[vodka]];<ref name="bestselling">{{cite news|url=http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/drink/soju-most-sold-drink-world-930177|title=It's official: Jinro soju is the world's best-selling liquor|date=12 June 2012|work=CNNTravel|access-date=29 April 2013|archive-date=21 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221152720/http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/drink/soju-most-sold-drink-world-930177|url-status=dead}}</ref> top selling beer producers [[Hite Brewery|Hite]] (merged with Jinro) and [[Oriental Brewery]].<ref name=economist>{{cite news|title=Fiery food, boring beer|url=https://www.economist.com/news/business/21567120-dull-duopoly-crushes-microbrewers-fiery-food-boring-beer|publisher=The Economist|access-date=24 April 2013|date=24 November 2012|archive-date=1 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701164429/http://www.economist.com/news/business/21567120-dull-duopoly-crushes-microbrewers-fiery-food-boring-beer|url-status=live}}</ref> It also hosts food giants like [[Seoul Milk|Seoul Dairy Cooperative]], [[Nongshim Group]], Ottogi, [[CJ Corporation|CJ]], Orion, Maeil Holdings, [[Namyang Dairy Products]] and [[Lotte (conglomerate)|Lotte]].

===Business and finance===
{{See also|Yeouido|Korea Exchange}}
[[File:Yeouido, Seoul.jpg|thumb|[[Yeouido]], the main financial district of Seoul]]
According to the [[Global Financial Centres Index|Global Financial Centerss Index report]] released in 2024, Seoul ranked 10th. The city ranked 13th in business environment and financial sector development, seventh in human capital, 10th in infrastructure and 12th in reputation.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=March 21, 2024 |title=Seoul rises one spot to 10th in Global Financial Centres Index |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20240321050743 |work=[[The Korea Herald]]}}</ref>

Seoul has three [[central business districts]]; the [[Downtown Seoul]](CBD), [[Gangnam]](GBD), and [[Yeouido]](YBD).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://pearsonkorea.com/insights/Top-3-Main-CBD-in-Seoul-Korea-%E2%80%93-Bringing-Best-Business-Practices-to-the-Table/ |title=Top 3 Major Business Districts (CBD) in Seoul, Korea |date=2020-08-25 |website=pearsonkorea.com |publisher=Pearson & Partners |access-date=2024-03-05}}</ref> The Downtown Seoul, which has 600 years of history as unparalleled business district in entire Korea, is now a densely concentrated area around [[Gwanghwamun]] and [[Cheonggyecheon]] with headquarters of major companies, foreign financial institutions, largest news agencies and law firms. Other two business districts are developed in 1970s and have different characteristic; while Gangnam is well known for tech, luxury and private education industries, Yeouido is famous for securities exchange and asset management.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lee |first=Sue |date=2011-03-18 |title=Beginners guide to Seoul office lease |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/biz/2024/02/602_83374.html |work=[[The Korea Times]] |location=Seoul |access-date=2024-03-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2914830|title=Neon shines brightly during the bustle on Yeouido stock street|publisher=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|date=5 January 2010|access-date=13 February 2014|archive-date=17 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517161814/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2914830|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2023, the city announced plans to invest $44.7 million over six years to create a dedicated area to attract foreign investment.<ref name=":0" />

===Commerce===
{{Main|Shopping in Seoul}}
[[File:Myeongdong Neon at Night, Seoul.jpg|thumb|[[Myeong-dong]] is one of the most popular destinations in Seoul.]]
The largest wholesale and retail market in South Korea, the [[Dongdaemun Market]], is located in Seoul.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitseoul.net/en/article/article.do?_method=view&art_id=662&lang=en&m=0003001005007&p=03|title=Dongdaemun Market|publisher=Visit Seoul|access-date=11 February 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222025740/http://www.visitseoul.net/en/article/article.do?_method=view&art_id=662&lang=en&m=0003001005007&p=03|archive-date=22 February 2014}}</ref> [[Myeongdong]] is a shopping and entertainment area in [[downtown Seoul]] with mid- to high-end stores, fashion boutiques and international brand outlets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264312|title=Myeong-dong|publisher=[[Korea Tourism Organization]]|access-date=11 February 2014|archive-date=15 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140215191420/http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264312|url-status=live}}</ref> The nearby [[Namdaemun Market]], named after the [[Namdaemun Gate]], is the oldest continually running market in Seoul.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.visitseoul.net/index |script-title=ko:서울공식여행가이드|website=Visit Seoul Net|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214094007/http://english.visitseoul.net/index|archive-date=14 February 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=16 May 2018}}</ref>

[[Insadong]] is the cultural art market of Seoul, where traditional and modern Korean artworks, such as paintings, sculptures and calligraphy are sold.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SH/SH_EN_7_2_2_1.jsp|title=Insa-dong|publisher=[[Korea Tourism Organization]]|access-date=11 February 2014|archive-date=16 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116073234/http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SH/SH_EN_7_2_2_1.jsp|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Hwanghak-dong Flea Market]] and Janganpyeong Antique Market also offer antique products.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_2_4.jsp?gotoPage=&category=&areaCode=&recommCid=257325&cid=273747|title=Hwanghak-dong Flea Market|publisher=[[Korea Tourism Organization]]|access-date=12 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222135206/http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_2_4.jsp?gotoPage=&category=&areaCode=&recommCid=257325&cid=273747|archive-date=22 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.seoul.go.kr/cav/shop/antique.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101008074320/http://english.seoul.go.kr/cav/shop/antique.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 October 2010|title=Antique Markets|publisher=Seoul Matropolitan Government|access-date=12 February 2014}}</ref> Some shops for local designers have opened in [[Samcheong-dong]], where numerous small art galleries are located. While [[Itaewon]] had catered mainly to foreign tourists and American soldiers based in the city, Koreans now comprise the majority of visitors to the area.<ref name="KT Itaewon">{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2014/02/203_130484.html|title=Itaewon: Going Gangnam Style?|newspaper=[[The Korea Times]]|date=14 February 2013|access-date=12 February 2014|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304085508/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2014/02/203_130484.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Gangnam district]] is one of the most affluent areas in Seoul<ref name="KT Itaewon"/> and is noted for the fashionable and upscale [[Apgujeong-dong]] and [[Cheongdam-dong]] areas and the [[COEX Mall]]. Wholesale markets include [[Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market]] and [[Garak Market]].

The [[Yongsan Electronics Market]] is the largest electronics market in Asia. Electronics markets are Gangbyeon station metro line 2 Techno mart, ENTER6 MALL & Shindorim station Technomart mall complex.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/program/program_touringseoul_detail.htm?lang=e&current_page&No=24205|title=Yongsan Electronics Market, Asia's largest IT shopping mall|publisher=[[Korean Broadcasting System|KBS World]]|date=1 March 2011|access-date=12 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221060206/http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/program/program_touringseoul_detail.htm?lang=e&current_page&No=24205|archive-date=21 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Times Square (Seoul)|Times Square]] is one of Seoul's largest shopping malls, and contains the world's largest permanent [[35mm movie film|35 mm]] cinema screen, the [[CJ CGV|CGV Starium]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-4000/largest-permanent-35mm-cinema-screen |title=Largest Permanent 35mm Cinema Screen |publisher=Guinnessworldrecords.com |date=18 August 2009 |access-date=7 August 2013 |archive-date=16 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116120226/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-4000/largest-permanent-35mm-cinema-screen |url-status=live }}</ref>

Korea World Trade Center Complex, which comprises COEX mall, congress center, 3 Inter-continental hotels, Business tower (Asem tower), Residence hotel, Casino and City airport terminal was established in 1988 in time for the [[Seoul Olympics]]. The 2nd World trade trade center is being planned at Seoul Olympic stadium complex as MICE HUB by Seoul city. Ex-Kepco head office building was purchased by Hyundai motor group with 9billion USD to build 115-storey Hyundai GBC & hotel complex until 2021. Now ex-kepco 25-storey building is under demolition.

===Technology===
{{See also|Technology and science in South Korea|South Korean robotics}}
Seoul has been described as the world's "most wired city",<ref name="travel.cnn.com">{{cite web|url=http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/life/50-reasons-why-seoul-worlds-greatest-city-534720|title=50 reasons why Seoul is world's greatest city|date=12 July 2017|access-date=24 October 2014|archive-date=22 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022092637/http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/life/50-reasons-why-seoul-worlds-greatest-city-534720|url-status=live}}</ref> ranked first in technology readiness by [[PwC]]'s ''Cities of Opportunity'' report.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwc.com/us/en/cities-of-opportunity/2014/assets/cities-of-opportunity-2014.pdf|title=Cities of Opportunity|last=PricewaterhouseCoopers|access-date=20 May 2014|archive-date=20 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520001115/http://www.pwc.com/us/en/cities-of-opportunity/2014/assets/cities-of-opportunity-2014.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Seoul has a very technologically advanced [[infrastructure]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=25697|title=KOREA: Future is now for Korean info-tech|publisher=Regents of the University of California|work=AsiaMedia|date=14 June 2005|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216151508/http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=25697|archive-date=16 December 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/technology/tech-capitals-of-the-world/2007/06/16/1181414598292.html |title=Tech capitals of the world – Technology |work=The Age |date=18 June 2007 |location=Melbourne, Australia |access-date=18 June 2009 |archive-date=12 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090912100420/http://www.theage.com.au/news/technology/tech-capitals-of-the-world/2007/06/16/1181414598292.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Seoul is among the world leaders in Internet connectivity, being the capital of South Korea, which has the world's highest [[Fiber-optic communication|fiber-optic]] broadband penetration and highest global average internet speeds of 26.1 Mbit/s.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.akamai.com/us/en/multimedia/documents/state-of-the-internet/q4-2016-state-of-the-internet-connectivity-report.pdf?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiWlRFMk1qTTBOakkxTldReiIsInQiOiJsY3ZxaVErOFdncXo4NnJscW0wN1BNSjUrQUcwTjV1OUNRd2pLUkpCTTZKMTZkVGszVUFsR25hNTh0MGlNd1JBQ0I1OFUrdVE2RjJ4YW9kN0RkemR2QTBRdzdEUkluU0tRN1pXNk9EaXFIWS85SEFka2FLbmZiNGdlY3pYVHJyTSJ9|title=akamai's [state of the internet] Q4 2016 report|publisher=[[Akamai Technologies]]|access-date=18 December 2017|archive-date=13 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513141349/https://www.akamai.com/us/en/multimedia/documents/state-of-the-internet/q4-2016-state-of-the-internet-connectivity-report.pdf?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiWlRFMk1qTTBOakkxTldReiIsInQiOiJsY3ZxaVErOFdncXo4NnJscW0wN1BNSjUrQUcwTjV1OUNRd2pLUkpCTTZKMTZkVGszVUFsR25hNTh0MGlNd1JBQ0I1OFUrdVE2RjJ4YW9kN0RkemR2QTBRdzdEUkluU0tRN1pXNk9EaXFIWS85SEFka2FLbmZiNGdlY3pYVHJyTSJ9|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.seoul.go.kr/gtk/about/fact.php |title=Hi Seoul, SOUL OF ASIA – Seoul Located In the Center of Asian Metropolises |publisher=[[Seoul Metropolitan Government]] |access-date=7 August 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710194425/http://english.seoul.go.kr/gtk/about/fact.php |archive-date=10 July 2012 }}</ref> Since 2015, Seoul has provided free Wi-Fi access in outdoor spaces through a 47.7&nbsp;billion won ($44&nbsp;million) project with Internet access at 10,430 parks, streets and other public places.<ref>[https://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110615/bs_afp/skoreainternettelecom Wifi in All Public Areas] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617170449/http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110615/bs_afp/skoreainternettelecom |date=17 June 2011 }}</ref> Internet speeds in some apartment buildings reach up to 52.5Gbit/s with assistance from Nokia, and though the average standard consists of 100 Mbit/s services, providers nationwide are rapidly rolling out 1[[Gbit/s]] connections at the equivalent of US$20 per month.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cjhellovision.com/CJ |script-title=ko:CJ헬로비전-에러페이지 |access-date=18 December 2017 |archive-date=20 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171220041457/http://www.cjhellovision.com/CJ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In addition, the city is served by the [[Korea Train Express|KTX]] [[high-speed rail]] and the [[Seoul Subway]], which provides [[4G LTE]], Wi-Fi, and [[Digital Multimedia Broadcasting|DMB]] inside subway cars. 5G will be introduced commercially in March 2019 in Seoul.