Seoul is a bustling, sprawling city of 10 million, ringed by mountains and divided by the Han River.

BBC: Business trip: Seoul

Nor was it expecting a string of disasters, including the highly publicized collapse of a bridge over the Han river in the capital.

CNN: WHY VISIT THIS YEAR?

The faded port was spruced up before its liberation anniversary at the end of March, and a new bridge across the Han river is almost complete.

CNN: Stops and Starts

Another miracle on the Han River is in order.

FORBES: Magazine Article

It is an unlikely spot for a bohemian cultural centre -- along the banks of the barbed wire-lined Han River and within sight of the armed checkpoint watchtowers -- but the galleries, cafes and bookstores exhibit work from some of the finest artists and architects from Korea and abroad.

BBC: Make art not war in South Korea