The spelling of the word "Seoul" might seem straightforward, but it can be tricky for English speakers to pronounce correctly. The IPA phonetic transcription for the name of the capital city of South Korea is /soʊl/. The first sound is a long "o" as in "go", followed by an "uh" sound in the middle. The final sound is a clear "l" with a slight rise at the end. Keep in mind that the "e" in Seoul is silent, unlike in words like "seer" or "seem".
Seoul is the capital and largest city of South Korea, situated in the northwest part of the country. It has a population of over 10 million people, making it one of the most populous cities in the world. Seoul serves as the political, cultural, economic, and transportation hub of South Korea.
Geographically, Seoul is located on the Han River, with the city spreading over an area of approximately 605 square kilometers (233 square miles). The city experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons, characterized by hot and humid summers and cold winters.
Seoul has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years, serving as the capital of various Korean dynasties. It has witnessed significant periods of growth and development, transforming from a traditional city to a modern metropolis. The city is renowned for its architectural wonders, both ancient and modern, such as the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace and the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Seoul is at the forefront of technology and innovation. The city is home to numerous multinational conglomerates and technology giants, contributing to its status as a global economic powerhouse. It also boasts a vibrant entertainment industry, particularly in K-pop (Korean pop music) and Korean dramas, which have gained immense popularity worldwide.
Overall, Seoul is a dynamic and cosmopolitan city that combines tradition with modernity, offering visitors a blend of historical landmarks, bustling markets, advanced technology, and a vibrant cultural scene.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "Seoul" originated from the Korean language. It comes from the Sino-Korean word "서울" (Seo-ul) which is derived from an older version "서라벌" (Seora-beol). The exact etymology of "Seora-beol" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated from an ancient Silla (one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea) word "seobeol" that refers to the area around the city. Over time, "Seora-beol" evolved into "Seoul", which is the current name for the capital city of South Korea.