Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, plays a central role in culture, humanities, politics, and economics, spanning from Gyeonggi Province to Incheon Metropolitan City, encompassing the capital area. Designated as a special city, Seoul had a population of approximately 9.4 million as of 2023.
Inhabited since prehistoric times, its recorded history begins with Wiryeseong, the first capital of Baekje. During the Three Kingdoms period, it served as a strategic point taken by Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla in turn. In the Goryeo period, it was referred to as Namgyeong (South Capital), where royal secondary palaces were built.
In 1394, King Taejo moved the capital to Hanseong-bu, renaming it as the capital of Joseon. Taejo established Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine, and Gyeonghuigung Palace, along with the city walls and four major gates. Despite destruction from wars like the Japanese invasions of Korea and the Manchu invasions, it functioned as the capital of Joseon for over 500 years.
Since the proclamation of the Korean Empire in 1896, Hanseong-bu began its transformation with the construction of modern facilities like railways and bridges. In 1910, it was renamed Gyeongseong-bu during the Japanese colonial period, expanding its territory to areas like Yongsan and Yeongdeungpo. After the liberation in 1945, it was renamed Seoul and elevated to the capital and special city of South Korea, witnessing significant economic growth through events like the Miracle on the Han River and the development of Gangnam. Hosting events like the 1986 Asian Games, the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and the 2010 G20 Summit, Seoul has become the epicenter of politics, economics, society, and culture in South Korea.
Situated in a basin surrounded by mountains like Bukhansan, Gwanaksan, Dobongsan, Bulamsan, Inwangsan, Cheonggyesan, and Achasan, with the Han River flowing through its center, Seoul covers an area of 605.23km², accounting for 0.6% of South Korea’s land area, with a population of around 9.5 million, representing 17% of the country’s population. The city hall is located in Jung-gu, and there are 25 autonomous districts. Holding half of South Korea’s total GDP, Seoul’s GDP in 2018 was 422 trillion won.
There are various theories about the origin of the name “Seoul,” but generally accepted among scholars is its derivation from the native Silla word “Seorabeol,” meaning capital. There are also different interpretations of the original meaning of Seorabeol in Chinese characters. In historical records like the Samguk Sagi, Seorabeol was also referred to as “Geumseong,” meaning “golden castle,” and there’s a view that it was called “Seorabeol” to signify “new land,” including the entire territory of Silla. The exact pronunciation of Seorabeol in ancient to medieval Korean is uncertain, and the pronunciation “Syeo-reul” was confirmed only after the creation of Hunminjeongeum.
During the Joseon period, Seoul was referred to by various names such as Hanyang, Hanseong, Seoul, Gyeongdo, Gyeongbu, Gyeongsan, Gyeongseong, and Gyeongjo. There are even instances where it was written as Suseon, as seen in Kim Jeong-ho’s Joseon Sangosa. Among these, except for Hanyang and Hanseong, all were common nouns meaning “capital.” This indicates that “Seoul” originally wasn’t specific to the Seoul area but was a general term for a capital city.
The word “Seoul” is also used as a common noun in Korean. In dictionaries, the general noun “Seoul” is defined as “the city where the central government of a country is located and is the most central in terms of economy, culture, and politics.”
When Japan renamed Hanseong-bu to Gyeongseong-bu on October 1, 1910, during the Japanese colonial period, Seoul was mainly called Gyeongseong. After the liberation in 1945, the term “Gyeongseong” faded away, and the city was mostly referred to as “Seoul.”
With the liberation in 1945, Gyeongseong-bu was renamed Seoul. On September 28, 1946, it was elevated to Seoul Special City, separating from Gyeonggi Province. It was renamed Seoul Special City again on August 15, 1949, and incorporated areas like Dukdo-myeon, Sungin-myeon, and Eunpyeong-myeon from Goyang County, and Dorim-ri, Guro-ri, and Beondaebang-ri from Siheung County, expanding the city to 268.35km².
When the Korean War broke out in 1950, the South Korean government relocated the capital to Busan, and on June 28, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) occupied Seoul as its temporary capital. South Korea regained control on September 28, but during the January 4 Retreat, Seoul fell again and was left in ruins. It was recaptured on March 14, 1951, and remained under South Korean occupation until the armistice agreement in 1953.
In 1962, the Special Law on Seoul City Administration was enacted, elevating the city government to a direct agency of the Prime Minister and upgrading the administrative status of the mayor to ministerial level. In the same year, seven myeons and 54 ris from Gwangju, Yangju, Siheung, Kimpo, and Bucheon counties were incorporated, significantly expanding the city to 593.75 km². This included the incorporation of the Gangnam area south of the Han River and the northeastern areas of Dobong-gu, Nowon-gu, and Jungnang-gu north of the Han River.
In 1973, Dobong-gu and Gwanak-gu were established, making a total of 11 districts and expanding the city to 605.33 km². Subsequently, existing administrative districts were divided, leading to the establishment of Gangnam-gu in 1975, Gangseo-gu in 1977, Eunpyeong-gu and Gangdong-gu in 1979, Dongjak-gu and Guro-gu in 1980, Jungnang-gu and Nowon-gu in 1988, Yangcheon-gu, Seocho-gu, and Songpa-gu in 1995, Gangbuk-gu and Gwangjin-gu in 2000, and Geumcheon-gu in 1995. Some areas of Gwangmyeong City were incorporated into Geumcheon-gu.
In 1988, Seoul hosted the Summer Olympics, followed by the 2000 ASEM Summit, the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and the 2010 G20 Summit, among other international sports events and summits. With the growth of satellite cities in Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, the metropolitan area around Seoul formed, creating a vast urban structure centered around the capital.
Seoul is a city located in the central-western part of the Korean Peninsula, at approximately 37° 34′ north latitude and 126° 59′ east longitude. The city features a basin terrain, with the Han River flowing through its center. In the downtown area of Seoul, there are Namsan (270m) and Inwangsan (338m). Surrounding the city are mountains such as Bukhansan (836m), Gwanaksan (629m), Dobongsan (740m), Suraksan (641m), Bulamsan (510m), Guryongsan (306m), Umyeonsan (293m), Achasan (295m), and Ji-yeongsan, forming natural boundaries with Gyeonggi Province and Incheon Metropolitan City. The distance from east to west is approximately 36.78km, and from north to south, it’s about 30.3km, covering an area of approximately 605.25km². Seoul’s area accounts for 0.6% of South Korea’s land area and 0.265% of the combined area of North and South Korea. The northernmost point of Seoul is Dobong-dong in Dobong-gu, the southernmost point is Wonji-dong in Seocho-gu, the easternmost point is Gangil-dong in Gangdong-gu, and the westernmost point is Ogok-dong in Gangseo-gu.
Seoul sits at the confluence of the Goyang, Yangju ridges, and the Gyeonggi plain, with Bukhansan (Mt. Bukhan), designated as a national park and standing as the highest point, reaching 836 meters. It’s surrounded by mountains and hills, forming a basin-like landscape. Alongside Bukhansan are other mountains such as Dobongsan (717m), Inwangsan (338m), and Gwanaksan (629m), all within approximately 500 meters of altitude.
Dobongsan, a branch of the Gwangju mountain range, connects with Bukhansan, featuring three peaks: Baegundae, Insu Bong, and Nojeok Bong, extending southward to form Bukaksan (342m). From Bukaksan, a ridge stretches eastward, with Naksan (125m), and another ridge leads to Inwangsan. From Inwangsan, a southern ridge leads to Namsan (265m) and Eungbong (175m), passing through Sungnyemun (Namdaemun), while the western ridge passes through the saddle of Muakjae to Ansan (296m). All of these are characterized by hill fortresses.
South of the Han River, there are hills and peaks under 100 meters in elevation, while to the south of Seoul, there are prominent natural fortresses like Gwanaksan, Cheonggyesan, Guryongsan, and Umyeonsan. Additionally, in the eastern part of Seoul, there are hills like Bulamsan, Suraksan, Mangwusan, and Achasan.
In the center of Seoul, the Han River flows from east to west. Being a lowland river, it has a gentle slope and slow flow, but during floods, the water level rises due to water flowing down from the upper and middle reaches of the watershed. Yeouido is a floodplain where sediment carried from the upper reaches has been deposited.
The water of the Han River is also supplied as tap water for Seoul citizens. In the past, there were water intake facilities at places like Ttukseom and Seonyudo, but currently, water is drawn from Jamsil underwater weir and the Paldang Reservoir for supply. Until the Japanese colonial period, the Han River was not extensively developed, but from the 1960s, projects to develop the Han River began.
In 1968, Bamseom was detonated, and Yeouido was developed. From 1970 to 1975, as part of the Jamsil development plan, the southern waterway of Jamsil Island and Burido was blocked to create land. The “Han River Comprehensive Development Project,” started in 1982, involved creating parks and constructing riverside roads and Olympic Boulevard on both sides of the river. In 2006, the area around the Han River was redeveloped under the name “Han River Renaissance.”
Other major rivers besides the Han River include Bulgwangcheon, Anyangcheon, Jungnangcheon, Cheonggyecheon, Tancheon, Yangjaecheon, Yeouicheon, and Hongjecheon.
Seoul has a temperate climate, classified as either a cold winter continental climate or a warm temperate climate, sometimes categorized as a humid continental climate. It exhibits significant temperature fluctuations, typical of a continental climate. Due to recent global warming, the average temperature during the coldest month, previously below -3°C, has risen to -2.4°C. Accordingly, the Korea Meteorological Administration has reclassified Seoul’s climate as a warm temperate climate. However, this change is influenced by the urban heat island effect, with outlying areas still experiencing temperatures below -3°C during the coldest month. Many still consider Seoul’s climate to be an intermediate between temperate and cold climates, as the standard for the coldest month’s average temperature in a cold climate is often considered below 0°C.
With a temperature difference between summer and winter reaching 28.1°C, winters are extremely cold, while summers are intensely hot. Based on the last 30 years (1991-2020), Seoul’s average annual temperature is 12.8°C, with August being the warmest month at an average of 26.1°C, and January being the coldest at -1.9°C. Particularly, the average temperature in January is lower compared to other cities at similar latitudes.
The temperature distribution within the city varies. Areas densely populated with buildings, like Jung-gu, and major roads with heavy traffic emitting exhaust fumes, along with paved roads in downtown areas, tend to have higher temperatures. Conversely, areas with low building density along the Han River coastline exhibit lower temperatures. Downtown temperatures increase as the city develops, except for the summer months (June, July, and August). If temperatures continue to rise as assumed, the average temperature is expected to increase by 1.8°C over approximately 100 years, and the annual average of the lowest daily temperature is expected to rise by 3.1°C. However, humidity in the city is gradually decreasing.
The seasons in Seoul follow the order of summer being the longest, followed by winter, spring, and then autumn, which is the shortest. Spring begins around mid-March when the average monthly temperature rises above 5°C, and the weather becomes clear and warm. However, there are times when yellow dust storms occur due to jet streams blowing from the west.
Summer sees temperatures consistently above 20°C, with many days in July and August reaching around 30°C, and sometimes even exceeding 35°C. Additionally, the continuous rainy season and heavy downpours lead to significant flood damage.
Autumn brings clear skies and cooler temperatures as the season progresses.
Winter has around 100 days with temperatures dropping below 0°C, with approximately 29.4 days where the lowest temperature falls below -10°C, resulting in relatively long periods of cold weather. The average duration of snowfall is 12.5 days, and the period with frozen ice is 16.4 days. However, compared to summer, the amount of precipitation is much lower, resulting in many dry days.
Over the last 30 years (1991-2020), the average annual precipitation in Seoul is approximately 1,417.9mm. However, there is considerable variation in annual precipitation, with 2,355.5mm in 1990 and 633.7mm in 1949. Seasonal precipitation shows a trend of heavier rainfall in summer, with around 892.1mm, and lighter rainfall in winter, with approximately 67.3mm.
Seoul’s population growth can be traced back to around 1960 when various industries developed alongside South Korea’s economic growth, leading to increased employment. Consequently, there was a rapid influx of rural populations into Seoul as livelihoods became difficult in rural areas. Seoul became overcrowded due to social growth rather than natural increase. Moreover, with many educational institutions located in Seoul, graduates from universities in Seoul mainly seek employment or settle down in the city.
However, in the 2010s, Seoul’s high rental prices led to a rapid outflow of population, making it the fastest among Korean cities. As of May 2016, Seoul’s population fell below 10 million for the first time since the city surpassed the 10 million mark during the Seoul Olympics in 1988. In fact, it’s been 28 years since Seoul’s population dropped below 10 million. As of May 2018, Seoul’s population stands at 9.8 million. Most of the population leaving Seoul are moving to Gyeonggi Province, and there’s also a trend of migration to Sejong City and Jeju Island, indicating a decentralization phenomenon.
Performance Venues
• National Gugak Center – Located next to the Seoul Arts Center. It is responsible for preserving, transmitting, and promoting Korean traditional music.
• National Theater of Korea – Situated on the slopes of Namsan Mountain. It consists of the Haeorum Theater, Daloreum Theater, Byeoloreum Theater, and KB Youth Theater.
• Sejong Center for the Performing Arts – Located on Sejong-daero. It includes the Sejong Grand Theater, Sejong M Theater, Sejong Chamber Hall, and Sejong Art Academy.
• Lotte Concert Hall – Inside Lotte World Mall in Jamsil.
• Seoul Arts Center – Located near Mt. Umyeon.
• Jeongdong Theater – Next to Deoksugung Palace.
• Daehangno (University Street) – Home to various small theaters and performance spaces.
• Blue Square – In front of Hannam-dong, near Hannam Station in Yongsan-gu.
• B-Boy Exclusive Theater – Underground of the ‘SJ B-Boys’ building in Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu.
Historical Sites
• Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site (Historic Site No. 267) – A residential site from the prehistoric era. Over 100 pit dwellings, as well as pottery and stone tools, were excavated.
• Pungnap Fortress (Historic Site No. 11) and Mongchontoseong Fortress (Historic Site No. 297) – Ruins presumed to be from the Baekje period in Hannam and Wiryeseong, Hanam. Pungnap Fortress is assumed to be the northern fortress of Wiryeseong during the Baekje period, while Mongchontoseong is thought to be the southern fortress.
• Seokchon-dong and Bangi-dong Ancient Tombs – Stone-made mounds from the Hanseong Baekje period.
• Hanyangdoseong (Seoul City Wall) – The city wall began construction during the reign of King Taejo of Joseon when Seoul was designated as the capital. Although much of it was damaged during the Japanese colonial era and modernization, many parts have been restored.
• Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Gyeonghuigung Palace, Deoksugung Palace – Palaces of the Joseon Dynasty.
• Jongmyo Shrine – Royal ancestral shrine where the kings of the Joseon Dynasty held ancestral rites. Designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
• Sajikdan (Altar of the Land and Grain) – An altar where rituals were held for the land and grain gods.
• Seonggyungwan – A national educational institution of the Joseon Dynasty, which trained Confucian scholars and officials.
• Bukhansanseong Fortress (Historic Site No. 162) – A fortress that defended the capital of Hanyang. Parts of it are located in Goyang, outside of Seoul, within Bukhansan National Park.
• Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty – Seonjeongneung, Heoninneung, Jeongneung, and Uiryeongneung are located within Seoul and are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Yeongneung, although located in Seoul, is not recognized as it was established for a prince who was posthumously demoted.
• Dongmyo – A shrine dedicated to the legendary general Guan Yu.
• Independence Gate (Dongnimmun) – Built to commemorate Korea’s independence during the period of the Korean Empire.
• Hwangudan (Altar of Heaven) – A sacred altar built by Emperor Gojong of the Korean Empire for performing rites to the heavens.
• Jangchungdan – A shrine dedicated to those who were wronged during the Uimi-sa Incident and the Imo Rebellion during the Korean Empire.
• Seodaemun Prison – A prison built by the Japanese during the colonial era in Seoul. Many independence activists and democracy activists were tortured and executed here.
Royal Palaces
• Gyeongbokgung Palace – Built in 1395 (the 4th year of King Taejo of Joseon), it was the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. It was reconstructed in 1865 during the reign of King Gojong after being destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasions of Korea in the late 16th century.
• Changdeokgung Palace – Built in 1405 (the 5th year of King Taejong of Joseon), it is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
• Changgyeonggung Palace – One of the palaces where Joseon kings resided, located adjacent to Changdeokgung Palace.
• Gyeonghuigung Palace – One of the palaces of the Joseon Dynasty, currently housing the Seoul Museum of History.
• Deoksugung Palace (Jeonggwanheon) – A palace of both the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire, it was the main palace during the Gwangmu Era of the Korean Empire.
Landmarks
• Gwanghwamun Square • Myeongdong – A bustling shopping district in downtown Seoul.
• Namdaemun Market – One of Seoul’s representative traditional markets.
• Samcheong-dong – A street lined with traditional Hanok houses, restaurants, cafes, and galleries.
• Namsan Hanok Village – A place where you can experience traditional Korean culture in Hanok houses.
• COEX (Convention Center) – A comprehensive exhibition hall adjacent to the Trade Center.
• Gangnam Station Intersection – The largest commercial district south of the Han River.
• Daehangno (University Street) – Known as the street of culture and arts, with numerous theaters and performances. It includes Maronnier Park.
• 63 Building – A high-rise building in Yeouido, housing an observation deck, a cinema, and more.
• N Seoul Tower – Located near the top of Namsan Mountain, offering panoramic views of Seoul. Owned by YTN.
• Insadong – A traditional cultural street in Seoul, famous for galleries, traditional shops, and restaurants.
• Itaewon – A street popular among foreigners, known for its diverse international cuisine.
• Lotte World – A theme park located in Jamsil, adjacent to Seokchon Lake.
• Lotte World Tower – Located next to Lotte World Mall, boasting a height of 555m, making it the sixth tallest building in the world.
• Lotte World Mall – The largest complex shopping and cultural center in Korea, along with Lotte World Tower.
• Digital Media City (DMC) – A media and entertainment business district located in the northwestern part of Seoul, known for its creative designs and futuristic buildings.
• Times Square – The largest complex shopping space in Korea, featuring a CGV cinema with the world’s largest screen.
• Bukchon Hanok Village
• Seochon
• Jongmyo (Historic Site No. 243) – The shrine of Queen Sindeok, the consort of King Taejo of Joseon.
• Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) – A landmark building designed to be a hub for design and creativity in Seoul, famous for its LED flower garden on the rooftop.
• Hongik University Area – Symbolic area of indie culture in Seoul, known for its unique atmosphere and various clubs and performance venues.
• Sebitseom (Floating Island) – An artificial island located in the Han River.
• Cheonggyecheon Stream
• Cheonggye Plaza
Parks
• Hangang Citizen’s Park – A series of parks developed along the Han River in various districts.
• Seoul Olympic Park – Built for the 1988 Summer Olympics, now used as a general park with sports facilities like cycling, weightlifting, fencing, swimming, gymnastics, tennis, and cultural facilities like SOMA Museum. Mongchontoseong, a Baekje archaeological site discovered during the construction of the Olympic Park, is located within the park.
• Boramae Park – A park in Dongjak-gu equipped with facilities for youth.
• Dream Forest – A large park in Gangbuk-gu, situated on the former site of Dreamland.
• Yangjae Citizen’s Forest – A citizen’s park in Seocho-gu.
• Children’s Grand Park – A park in Gwangjin-gu with an amusement park, zoo, botanical garden, and children’s hall.
• Yeouido Park – A park in Yeouido’s urban area.
• World Cup Park – A park centered around Seoul World Cup Stadium.
• Seoullo 7017 – A park created through urban regeneration by transforming the Seoul Station Overpass into a park. It opened on May 20, 2017.
• Seoseoul Lake Park – A resting place for citizens in the southwest area of Seoul, remodeled from the Sinwol Water Purification Plant. It opened on October 26, 2009.
• Seonyudo Park – Located on Seonyudo Island in the middle of the river, accessible via Yanghwa Bridge. It was opened in April 2002 after being transformed from a water purification plant to a water-themed park.
• Yongsan Family Park – A park created from a former U.S. military base.
• Ttukseom Seoul Forest – A citizen’s park in the Ttukseom area.
• Dongdaemun History and Culture Park • Marronnier Park – A park located between Hyehwa-dong and Ihwa-dong.
• Tapgol Park – Designated as Historic Site No. 354, Tapgol Park is the first urban park in Korea and was the site of the March 1st Movement against Japanese rule in 1919.