Seoul

What's so special about Seoul?
Seoul, South Korea's capital, suffered heavy damage in the civil war half a century ago. It subsequently enjoyed substantial redevelopment aid and has been a world force in technology, electronics and car manufacture for many years.

Korea enjoys the eighth largest R&D investment in the world, with Seoul taking the lion's share. That figure has been steadily increasing since the late 1990s. In 2005, it stood at $24bn, up from $16bn in 2001.

More than 50 per cent of the investment goes into ICT manufacturing and ICT services-related industries.

As a result Korea is used as a testbed for new electronics products. The Intel Sonoma chip was introduced here first.

A number of technology companies, including Motorola, IBM, Siemens, Nokia and Xerox have labs in the country.

Hotspots judge John Higgins says the location is well equipped in facilities for modern business: "Korea has some of the most advanced fixed and mobile broadband services in the world."

Key tech companies The mighty Samsung comes to mind immediately, as does LG Group. Both companies are strong players in goods that cross the consumer-business divide, with products such as screens and mobile phones among many other technologies.

Key institutions The Seoul National University of Technology was founded in 1910. It covers 124 acres and is attended by 14,000 students.

Local salaries Tech talent is relatively cheap. A local software engineer can expect to make approximately $40,000.

Famous faces Lee Kun-Hee is head of Samsung. He is worth $2.32bn, according to Forbes.

Population 10.4 million.

iPod cost $181 Source: CommSec, Apple.

Time zone GMT +9 hours.

Voltage and plugs 220-240V Type C two-pin, type E two-pin, one socket, and type F two-pin.

How to get there Either fly in to Gimpo International Airport or Incheon International Airport.

Watch out for In a city well endowed with skyscrapers, the DLI 63 Building is one of the tallest, with an aquarium, an Imax cinema and an observation deck on the 60th floor. Despite the ravages of war in the last century, some of Seoul's historical structures still remain. One of these is the Bongeunsa Buddhist temple complex, north of the Coex Mall - shopping and religion all in one trip.

Places to stay, eat or drink Three of the main hotels are Westin Chosun, Park Hyatt and Grand Intercontinental. For dining try the Eunhasoo Dinner Buffet in the Sejong Hotel, Myeongdong district.

What you might not know Seoul receives 1.2m of rainfall every year.