AAFT Annual Conference

About Seoul

Seoul, officially Seoul Special Metropolitan City, is the capital and largest city of South Korea, and the largest city in the whole of Korea. The broader Seoul Metropolitan Area, encompassing Seoul, Gyeonggi Province and Incheon, emerged as the world's sixth largest metropolitan economy in 2022, behind New York, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Paris, and London, and hosts more than half of South Korea's population. Although Seoul's population peaked at over 10 million, it has gradually decreased since 2014, standing at about 9.6 million residents as of 2024. Seoul is the seat of the South Korean government.

Getting There

• Seoul is well-served by Incheon International Airport, one of Asia's major aviation hubs, located approximately 50 kilometers west of the city center. Most international flights arrive here, with convenient ground transportation options including airport rail links, express buses, and shuttle services that connect directly to central Seoul. Once in the city, the Seoul Metro system is one of the world's most efficient and user-friendly public transit networks, with extensive coverage throughout the metropolitan area. Taxis and rideshare services are readily available and affordable, making it easy to reach your accommodation and the conference venue. English signage is common in transit areas, helping international visitors navigate with confidence.