Picnickers sit on the grass at Yeouido Hangang Park in southern Seoul, April 10. Yonhap

Korean and foreign residents of Seoul hold differing views on the city's symbolic landmarks. Korean residents view the Han River as a symbolic place representing the city, whereas foreigners residing in Seoul chose Gwanghwamun Square as the city's main landmark.

Both groups picked convenient transportation, a variety of cuisines and shopping as the city's main appeals.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced the results of its survey, Thursday, after interviewing 20,000 households. The city has been conducting the survey since 2003 as part of its efforts to find necessary policies for Seoul and improve the quality of life for residents and the city's urban competitiveness.

Of the respondents, 48.3 percent picked the Han River as the city's symbolic landmark, followed by Gwanghwamun Square at 36.1 percent, old palaces at 32.3 percent and N Seoul Tower at 17.2 percent.

In the previous survey done in 2010, the Han River ranked fourth, but it has ascended to the top spot after 13 years. Conversely, the palaces, which previously held the top place, have slipped down by two slots.

Among 2,500 foreigners residing in Seoul for over 91 days, Gwanghwamun Square emerged as the top choice in the survey, garnering 45.9 percent of the respondents' preference. Following were the palaces with 41.4 percent, Dongdaemun Design Plaza with 25.6 percent and the Han River with 23.1 percent.

Foreign tourists walk through Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, April 18. Yonhap

With regard to the city's charms, both groups appreciated Seoul's convenient transportation, diverse culinary scene and shopping options. Safety also earned praise as a standout feature of the city's urban environment.

Moreover, a significant 88.5 percent of respondents said they had visited parks in the past six months.

According to the survey, 42.8 percent of Seoul residents visit parks for relaxation. Leisure activities, health promotion and enjoying nature were other purposes for visiting parks in the city.

Two-thirds of residents, or 68.6 percent of the respondents, said they prefer spending their leisure hours by the riverside, often for social gatherings and friendly interactions.

"We will analyze the survey results in various sectors to reflect the practical lives and thoughts of the city's residents in policies and urban projects," a city government official said.