Seoul history

The history of Seoul spans more than two millennia, during which it transformed from a small fortress into one of the world's largest metropolises. The key stages of its formation reflect the rich and complex history of the Korean Peninsula.

Foundation and Early Mentions

The first settlements in the territory of modern Seoul appeared back in the Neolithic era. However, the city's history as a political center begins in 18 BC, when it was founded under the name Wiryeseong and became the capital of Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. In subsequent centuries, the city came under the control of the Goguryeo and Silla kingdoms, and during the Goryeo dynasty, it was known as the "Southern Capital" (Namgyeong), highlighting its strategic importance.

Key Factors of Formation

A turning point in the city's history was the year 1394, when the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, King Taejo, moved the capital here and named it Hanyang. The city retained this status for over 500 years, which defined its further development. Its rise was facilitated by several factors:

• Political Power: All major state governing bodies, the royal court, and the elite were concentrated in Hanyang, making it the undisputed center of decision-making.
• Geographical Location: Its location in the center of the Korean Peninsula on the banks of the navigable Han River (Hangang) provided convenient trade and transport routes. The surrounding mountains served as natural protection.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the Joseon era, Hanyang became not only the political but also the leading economic and cultural center of the country. During this period, the foundations of its layout were laid: the city was surrounded by a massive fortress wall with monumental gates, such as Namdaemun and Dongdaemun. The construction of grand palace complexes began, including the famous Gyeongbokgung Palace, which remains a symbol of the city today. Hanyang was a hub of crafts, trade, and arts, setting the tone for the cultural life of all Korea.

Timeline of Key Events

The history of Seoul is a kaleidoscope of eras, reflecting the rise and fall of states on the Korean Peninsula. From an ancient capital to a modern metropolis, the city has traveled a long and eventful path.

• 18 BC — Foundation of the city under the name Wiryeseong, becoming the capital of Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea.
• 475 AD — The city comes under the control of the Goguryeo kingdom, and then, in the 6th century, the Silla kingdom.
• 11th Century — During the Goryeo dynasty, the city receives the status of "Southern Capital" (Namgyeong), emphasizing its strategic importance.
• 1394 — The founder of the Joseon Dynasty, King Taejo, moves the capital here and names it Hanyang.
• 1395 — Construction begins on Gyeongbokgung Palace, which becomes the main royal residence and symbol of the new dynasty.
• 1592–1598 — The city suffers severe destruction during the Imjin War following the invasion of Japanese troops.
• 1910–1945 — During the Japanese colonial rule, the city is renamed Gyeongseong (Keijo in Japanese) and serves as the administrative center of the colony.
• 1946 — After the liberation of Korea, the city is officially given its modern name — Seoul.
• 1948 — Seoul is proclaimed the capital of the newly formed Republic of Korea.
• 1950–1953 — During the Korean War, the city becomes the scene of fierce battles, changing hands four times and suffering massive destruction.
• 1960–1980s — A period of rapid recovery and economic growth begins, known as the "Miracle on the Han River," transforming Seoul into a modern metropolis.
• 1988 — Seoul hosts the XXIV Summer Olympic Games, attracting global attention to the city and stimulating its further development.
• 2002 — Seoul becomes one of the key cities hosting matches for the FIFA World Cup.

Stages of City Development and Transformation

The evolution of the metropolis of Seoul is a fascinating example of how ancient traditions can become the foundation for futuristic innovations. The development of the capital, of which South Korea is rightfully proud, has passed through several key milestones that transformed it into one of the most influential cities in the world.

• Creation of the Confucian Capital (14th–15th Centuries).
  At the beginning of the Joseon era, the city was carefully planned in accordance with the principles of Feng Shui and Neo-Confucianism.
  Significance: The historical structure of the center was established, with royal palaces and a fortress wall, which still defines the tourist and cultural appearance of the city north of the Han River.
• Industrialization and Expansion to the South (1960–1970s).
  A period of rapid economic growth when the city began to expand swiftly beyond the historical center. Active development of the Gangnam district began.
  Significance: Transformation of Seoul from an agrarian center into an industrial giant. Formation of new business districts that became symbols of the country's modern wealth.
• Olympic Modernization (1980s).
  Preparation for the 1988 Summer Olympic Games became a catalyst for large-scale urban planning changes: the construction of new subway lines, bridges across the Han River, and sports complexes.
  Significance: Seoul made a loud statement on the international stage for the first time, opening up to the world and significantly improving urban infrastructure for residents.
• Digital Revolution (1990–2000s).
  The city bet on the development of the IT sector, implementing high-speed internet everywhere and creating specialized clusters such as Digital Media City.
  Significance: Seoul gained the status of one of the most technologically advanced capitals in the world, becoming a global hub for electronics and telecommunications.
• Ecological Urbanism (2000s).
  A landmark event was the demolition of a highway in the city center to restore the Cheonggyecheon Stream in 2005.
  Significance: A shift in priorities from pure construction to quality of life and ecology. This project became a global example of how to return nature to the concrete jungle.
• Era of Design and Cultural Influence (2010–Present).
  The designation as a "UNESCO City of Design" and the construction of futuristic objects such as the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) coincided with the global boom of Korean pop culture (Hallyu).
  Significance: The city definitively secured its status as a world cultural capital, attracting millions of tourists not only for business but also for art, fashion, and entertainment.

The architectural appearance of Seoul is an impressive kaleidoscope, harmoniously combining centuries-old traditions and bold futuristic solutions. The city's development reflects its turbulent history: from the capital of an ancient dynasty to one of the most high-tech metropolises in the world.

Traditional Architecture (Joseon Era, 1392–1897)

During this period, the foundation of Seoul's urban planning (then Hanyang) was laid. The architecture of the Joseon era strove for harmony with nature. The main materials were wood, stone, and clay. Landmark examples are the Five Grand Palaces built for the royal family. The most important of them is Gyeongbokgung, erected in 1394-1395, which served as the main residence and political center. Its pavilions with gracefully curved tiled roofs, standing amidst gardens and artificial lakes, are the standard of Korean architecture. Traditional residential houses — hanoks — have also been preserved and can be seen in the Bukchon district.

Colonial Period and Modernization (Early 20th Century)

During the years of Japanese rule (1910–1945), buildings in Western and Japanese styles began to appear in Seoul. The architecture of this time gravitated towards monumental neoclassicism and functionalism. Vivid examples include the former Seoul Station building and the old Bank of Korea building (now the Money Museum). During this same period, active redevelopment of the city began, including the demolition of old fortress walls and the construction of new infrastructure.

Post-War Recovery (1950–1980s)

After the devastating Korean War, the period of the "Miracle on the Han River" began — a time of rapid economic growth. The architecture of this time was predominantly utilitarian: functional concrete buildings and large residential apartment complexes were mass-erected throughout the city. The main focus was on construction speed and infrastructure development — bridges, expressways, and the subway, which radically changed the urban landscape.

Modern and Postmodern Architecture (From the 1990s to Present)

Since the end of the 20th century, Seoul has turned into a platform for bold architectural experiments. The city became a world design center, confirmed by the awarding of the "UNESCO City of Design" status in 2010. During this period, iconic objects were created that formed the new look of the metropolis. Key examples:

• Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP): A futuristic cultural complex designed by the world-famous architect Zaha Hadid, which has become a symbol of modern Seoul. Its fluid, unearthly forms contrast brightly with the historical surroundings.
• Lotte World Tower: A 555-meter skyscraper, the fifth tallest building in the world (as of 2023), serves as a dominant feature of the southern part of the city and a model of modern high-rise architecture.
• New Seoul City Hall: An avant-garde structure with a huge glass facade, symbolizing transparency and eco-friendliness, literally hangs over the old colonial-era City Hall building.

Modern urban planning in Seoul also focuses on creating comfortable public spaces and "green" architecture, a striking example of which was the project to restore the Cheonggyecheon stream.

Prominent Figures in the History of Seoul

Throughout the centuries, Seoul has been the center of Korea's political, cultural, and social life. The city has nurtured and become home to many outstanding figures whose names are forever inscribed in the country's history.

King Taejo (1335–1408)

Founder of the Joseon Dynasty and Seoul. It was Yi Seong-gye, known in history by his throne name Taejo, who made the fateful decision in 1394 to move the capital to a new location, naming it Hanyang. He laid the foundations of the city by starting the construction of fortress walls and the main royal palace, Gyeongbokgung, thereby defining the city's status as the political heart of Korea for the next 500 years.

King Sejong the Great (1397–1450)

Ruler-reformer and creator of the Korean alphabet. The fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty, whose reign is considered the "Golden Age" of Korean history. It was in Seoul, at the royal academy Jiphyeonjeon, that the Korean phonetic alphabet Hangul was developed on his initiative, making literacy accessible to the common people. His contribution to science, culture, and governance is immense, and a monument to him adorns one of the capital's main squares today.

Admiral Yi Sun-sin (1545–1598)

National hero and naval commander. A native of Seoul (then Hanyang), Yi Sun-sin became famous as an outstanding naval strategist during the Imjin War with Japan. He did not lose a single one of more than 20 naval battles and is considered the creator of the world's first armored ships — "Geobukseon" (Turtle Ships). His unbreakable spirit and devotion to his homeland have made him one of the most revered figures in Korean history.

Shin Saimdang (1504–1551)

Artist, poetess, and calligrapher. Although she was not born in the capital, a significant part of her life and work is connected with Seoul. Shin Saimdang became a model of Confucian virtue but went down in history primarily as one of the most talented female artists of the Joseon era, known for her exquisite depictions of plants, insects, and landscapes. Today, her portrait adorns the 50,000 won banknote, making her the first woman to be honored in this way in Korea.

Kim Gu (1876–1949)

Leader of the Korean independence movement. One of the key fighters against Japanese colonial rule and the last president of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in exile. After the liberation of the country, he returned to Seoul and fought until the end of his life for the creation of a unified independent Korean state. Kim Gu was assassinated in Seoul in 1949 and remains a symbol of unbending patriotism.

Nam June Paik (1932–2006)

Founder of video art. A native of Seoul, Nam June Paik is an internationally recognized artist who was the first to use televisions and video as artistic material. His works, combining technology, music, and performance, had a huge influence on contemporary art. Paik is called the "prophet of the electronic age," having predicted the emergence of the internet and social networks.

Bong Joon-ho (born 1969)

World-renowned film director and screenwriter. Although born in Daegu, his career is inextricably linked with Seoul. His films, such as "Memories of Murder" and "Snowpiercer," have received critical acclaim, and the social satire "Parasite" made history by becoming the first non-English language film to win the Oscar for Best Picture. Bong's work often explores the social contrasts of modern Seoul.