Seoul

Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is known for its blend of modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways, and traditional temples. Here are some Seoul fun facts.
Soul - Ethan Brooke
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Seoul was founded in 18 BC as the capital of Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea.

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The city's name means 'capital' in Korean.

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Seoul is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine.

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The city is the fourth largest metropolitan economy in the world, after Tokyo, New York, and Los Angeles.

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Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, is one of the largest and most beautiful palaces in Korea.

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The city has a population of over 10 million people, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world.

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N Seoul Tower, located on Namsan Mountain, offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular tourist attraction.

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Seoul is known for its vibrant nightlife, with districts like Hongdae and Itaewon offering a wide range of entertainment options.

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The city has a highly efficient public transportation system, including buses, subways, and high-speed trains.

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Seoul's Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a major urban development landmark known for its neo-futuristic architecture.

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The city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Seoul Lantern Festival and the Seoul Kimchi Making & Sharing Festival.

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It is a major hub for technology and innovation, home to tech giants like Samsung and LG.

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The Han River, which runs through the heart of Seoul, is a popular spot for leisure activities like biking, picnicking, and water sports.

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The city is famous for its street food and night markets, with popular dishes including tteokbokki, hotteok, and gimbap.

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The city has a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and galleries showcasing Korean art and history.

Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge, a historic stone bridge in Prague, Czech Republic, is one of the city's most famous landmarks and a marvel of medieval engineering. Here are some fun facts about Charles Bridge:
Karlův most
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Charles Bridge was commissioned by King Charles IV in 1357 and was completed in the early 15th century, replacing an older bridge that had been damaged by floods.

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The bridge spans the Vltava River and connects the Old Town with the Lesser Town (Malá Strana) and Prague Castle.

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Charles Bridge is 621 meters (2,037 feet) long and nearly 10 meters (33 feet) wide, supported by 16 arches.

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The bridge was originally called Stone Bridge or Prague Bridge but was renamed Charles Bridge in 1870 to honor King Charles IV.

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Construction of the bridge began on July 9, 1357, at precisely 5:31 a.m., a time chosen for its palindromic sequence (1357 9 7 5:31), believed to bring good luck.

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The bridge is adorned with 30 statues and statuaries, mostly Baroque-style, added between 1683 and 1714. These statues depict various saints and patron saints.

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The most famous statue on Charles Bridge is that of Saint John of Nepomuk, a national saint of the Czech Republic. Touching the statue is said to bring good luck and ensure one's return to Prague.

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Charles Bridge was the only means of crossing the Vltava River until 1841, making it an important trade route between Eastern and Western Europe.

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The bridge is protected by three bridge towers, two on the Lesser Town side and one on the Old Town side, known as the Old Town Bridge Tower, which is considered one of the most beautiful Gothic towers in the world.

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Throughout its history, Charles Bridge has survived numerous floods, the most devastating of which occurred in 1890, causing severe damage and leading to significant repairs.

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The bridge was used for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic until 1965, when it was designated for pedestrians only to preserve its structure.

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Charles Bridge is a popular spot for artists, musicians, and vendors, creating a vibrant atmosphere for tourists and locals alike.

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Legend has it that eggs were mixed into the mortar used to build the bridge to strengthen its structure, a practice believed to have contributed to its longevity.

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The bridge offers stunning views of Prague Castle, the Vltava River, and the city's historic skyline, making it a favorite location for photographers.

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Charles Bridge is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Prague, drawing millions of visitors each year who come to admire its beauty and historical significance.

Croatia

Croatia, a beautiful country located on the Adriatic Sea, is known for its stunning coastline, rich history, and vibrant culture. With its medieval towns, crystal-clear waters, and diverse landscapes, Croatia offers a unique and captivating experience. Here are 15 fun facts about Croatia that highlight its fascinating culture, history, and natural beauty.
Chorvatsko
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1. Croatia is home to over 1,000 islands, with only about 50 of them being inhabited, making it a paradise for island-hopping enthusiasts.

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2. The city of Dubrovnik, known as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic,' is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and served as a filming location for the TV series Game of Thrones.

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3. Croatia is one of the few countries in the world where neckties (cravats) originated, dating back to the 17th century.

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4. The country has eight national parks, including Plitvice Lakes National Park, famous for its cascading waterfalls and clear lakes.

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5. The Croatian language has a unique alphabet with 30 letters, including special characters like č, ć, đ, š, and ž.

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6. Croatia is known for its stunning beaches, many of which have received the Blue Flag designation for their cleanliness and environmental standards.

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7. The city of Split is home to Diocletian's Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman palaces in the world, built by the Roman emperor Diocletian in the 4th century.

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8. Croatia is a major producer of lavender, especially on the island of Hvar, which is often referred to as the 'Lavender Island.'

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9. The country is famous for its truffles, particularly in the Istria region, where some of the largest white truffles in the world have been found.

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10. The Croatian region of Dalmatia is where the Dalmatian dog breed originated, and the breed is named after the region.

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11. The traditional Croatian dance, the 'kolo,' is performed in a circle and is a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage.

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12. Croatia has a rich winemaking tradition, with over 130 indigenous grape varieties and numerous award-winning wines.

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13. The city of Zadar is home to the Sea Organ, an architectural sound art object that plays music by way of sea waves and tubes located underneath a set of large marble steps.

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14. Croatia's national parks and nature reserves are home to diverse wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, and lynxes.

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15. The country celebrates its Independence Day on October 8th, marking its declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991.