Annyeong haseyo from Seoul!

Our guide to South Korea is Jin-Hei Park, Citi Country Officer for Korea.

Located in the heart of the Korean Peninsula, Seoul is the capital and largest city in South Korea.

The city, with a population of 10 million, is traversed by the Han River, which is widely regarded by the Korean people as a national symbol. Seoul is also nestled beside scenic mountains, including Namsan, Inwangsan and Bukhansan, lending a different dimension to the otherwise bustling city.

Known to be the world's most wired city, Seoul boasts an advanced Long-Term Evolution (LTE) wireless communications network, with downloading speeds that are twice as quick as 4G networks. It is not an uncommon sight to see commuters on the subway easily download and watch videos and movies or even stream them real-time while underground.

Famed for its dynamism and creativity, the city boasts an active arts scene and is viewed by many as the ultimate shopping destination. The city's markets and shopping centers are always brimming with activity, whether day or night.

In Korea, Citi first established a presence in Seoul with the setup of a branch in 1967. In 2004, Citi completed its integration with local bank KorAm, helping the bank expand its Consumer Banking footprint in the country.

Today, Citi Korea is well regarded for its ability to bring together local knowledge with global expertise to provide the best products and services to its customers. Citi Korea pioneered the ATM and Smart Banking model in Seoul.

Recognizing the bank's capabilities, Citi Korea has been named "Best Bank in Korea" for six consecutive years and "Best Foreign Commercial Bank in Korea" as well as "Best Financial Product Provider" by major financial publications in the region, including The Asset, FinanceAsia and Asian Investor.

National Language: Korean

Currency: The Korean won is the official currency with 1080 won being roughly equal to one U.S dollar.

Best Time to Visit: Seoul experiences four seasons – spring, summer, autumn and winter. The climate in spring makes for a pleasant visit with its flower blossoms. Autumn, which is between September and November, is also a good time to visit on account of the pleasant weather and the picturesque scene of falling leaves. In winter, skiing is a popular choice with ski resorts located just an hour from Seoul.

Best Local Dishes: South Korea is internationally recognized for its delicious local cuisine. I highly recommend traditional dishes such as Bibimbap (rice topped with sautéed vegetables and meat), which is both delicious and nutritious, Galbi & Bulgogi (Korean style barbequed rib & beef), Bindaeddeok (Korean style pancake), and Japchae (sautéed vegetables with potato noodles).

Not forgetting the famed Kimchi (fermented vegetables; mainly cabbage) which goes with everything! Banchan, or side dishes, are an essential part of any Korean meal. It is not uncommon to have a wide variety of banchan even with only one main dish.

Seoul is also popular for its street food, including Eomuk (fish cakes), Tteokbokki (stir-fried rice cake), and Hoddek (pancake with various ingredients).

When it comes to desserts, Patbingsoo is the favorite of many. It is made up of ice that is topped with red bean paste and chopped fruits.

Historical Sites: One of Seoul's most famous monuments is the Gyeongbokgung – the first royal palace built during the Joseon Dynasty -- and Changdeokgung, the second royal palace and UNESCO world heritage site. The Secret Garden (called Biwon) in Changdeokgung, representing Korean gardening culture, was built for royal family and entry required the King's permission. Rich in history and culture, these are definitely sights to see.

Another historical site that I appreciate is the War Memorial of Korea, which houses indoor exhibition halls as well as an outdoor exhibition area where memorial statues are placed.

And, offering visitors a glimpse into the way of life of the Korean people is the Namsan Hanok Village. Here visitors can stroll through a collection of traditional Korean houses that are typical to various parts of Seoul.

Why I Enjoy Living in Seoul: Seoul is the epitome of South Korea's culture and history. It is a representation of traditional values merged with contemporary ideas and city living, perfectly encapsulating and representing the country's spirit.

Seoul, surrounded by green mountains, has evolved from a hardened economic powerhouse to a softer urban ideal where history flourishes alongside a modern urban lifestyle. As a citizen of Seoul, I seek to let more people know more and appreciate the city I call home.