Three kinds of official tourist guidebooks of Seoul were published in four languages in October, featuring in-depth travel information on historic sites, shopping centers and other attractions. The guidebooks are available for free at major hotels, department stores and duty-free shops in Seoul as well as a Seoul City public relations center, the Korea National Tourism Organization and airlines.

They are the "Seoul Tourist Map 2009," "Seoul Best 100," which selects 100 attractions with detailed neighborhood-by-neighborhood descriptions of history, sightseeing points and other useful tips, and "Seoul & Shopping," a shopper's guide.

"Seoul Tourist Map 2009" offers detailed maps and transport information by dividing Seoul into five major areas; downtown (Jongno, Jung-gu, Euljiro), Samseong Station, Apgujeong, Itaewon and Garosu-gil. The maps were published in English, Japanese, and simplified and traditional Chinese languages.

"Seoul Best 100" also divides Seoul into the five areas and lists famous restaurants, accommodation and recommended sites, with transport information, opening hours, entrance fees, telephone lists, web sites and information services for foreigners.

The second issue of "Seoul & Shopping" is published in English, Japanese and simplified Chinese, helped by the success of the first. It offers a chance for visitors to enjoy a shopping route by themes such as food, accommodation at traditional Korean houses, performances and electronic goods as well as information on discount outlets in Garosu-gil, Jamsil and the Yeoju Premium Outlet.