IHF World Hospital Congress

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 served by Incheon International Airport, one of Asia's major aviation hubs, located approximately 50 kilometers west of the city center. Most international visitors will arrive here with connections from major cities worldwide. From Incheon, the Airport Railroad provides direct service into Seoul's city center in around 45 minutes, offering a convenient and affordable option. Alternatively, airport limousine buses serve various districts throughout Seoul. Once in the city, Seoul's extensive subway system is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate with English signage and mobile payment options. Taxis and rideshare services are widely available and reasonably priced for getting around the city and reaching the venue.