While Seoul is the modern capital city of South Korea, many locals aren't fluent in English. It's generally not a very widely spoken language in South Korea. However, you'll have better luck finding a local who can speak English in main tourist neighborhoods, such as Myeongdong, Dongdaemun and Hongdae.

Regarding overall quality of life, Seoul ranked 81st out of 241 cities. Based on a survey of expatriates around the world, the annual Mercer Cost of Living Ranking revealed that the cost of living in Seoul was more expensive than London and Tokyo, which ranked 17th and 19th, respectively.

Safest neighborhoods in Seoul In general, you'll find that South Koreans, are friendly and welcoming in most of the areas that you visit. The majority of the city center is safe to explore. Below are some neighborhoods that are known to be safe for foreigners entering South Korea.

Seoul is a relatively pricy destination, particularly for accommodation. But just like most other countries, most of South Korea is affordable compared to its capital. While meal prices in Seoul can vary, the average cost of food in Seoul is ₩30000 (32 USD) per day.