Seoul

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is at the center of several pressing issues in March 2026. Geopolitical tensions, particularly the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, are causing significant concern, evidenced by protests in the city and North Korea's missile launches. The withdrawal of US missile defense systems from South Korea, potentially due to the conflict with Iran, raises questions about US commitment to the region. Economically, Seoul is grappling with rising oil prices due to the Middle East conflict, prompting the government to enact a historic fuel price cap. The city's stock market is also experiencing volatility due to these global events. Furthermore, high housing costs and limited space are impacting family planning among residents. Despite these challenges, the commercial real estate market in the Asia Pacific region, including Seoul, is expected to see positive momentum in 2026. The city is also dealing with the aftermath of the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush, with a public inquiry underway.