Seoul

Old and new buildings in the downtown of Seoul

Seoul (Korean: 서울) is the biggest city of the Republic of Korea (South Korea), and its capital. Its official name is Seoul Special City (Korean: 서울특별시 Seoul Teukbyeolsi). It has a population of 10 million which is about 1/5 of the Korean population and 1/7 of Korea peninsula, and covers an area of 610 km² that is only 0.6% of South Korea. It is the 6th most populated city in the world, and 7th most crowded. Seoul is the center of politics, economy, culture, transportation, and education for South Korea.

Seoul is in the middle of the Korean Peninsula. Han River (한강 Han-gang) is a major river in South Korea and the fourth longest river on the Korean peninsula. This river goes across Central Seoul.

Seoul hosted the 1986 Asian Games and the 1988 Olympic Games. It also hosted the 2007 World Schools Debating Championships.

History

Seoul is thought to be the capital of Baekje Kingdom (백제) from 18 BC. At that time, the name of the city was Wiryeseong (Korean: 위례성). Wiryeseong is thought to be Songpa-gu, Seoul. During Silla Period (신라시대), Hanju (한주) was name of Seoul. During Goryeo Period (고려시대), the name of Seoul was Namgyeong (남경) which means "the south capital". There was a palace of Goryeo Dynasty. Hanyang was name of Seoul in late Goryeo Period. After establishment of Joseon Dynasty, the name of Seoul was Hanseong (한성) and Hanseong became the capital of Joseon Kingdom. From 1910 to 1945 when Korea was under Japanese rule, the name of Seoul was Gyeongseong (경성). Since South Korea was started in 1948, it has been the capital, except for a short time during the Korean War. Seoul became a special city in 1948. April 19th Revolution (4.19혁명) and June Revolution (6월 민주항쟁) was took place in Seoul.

Sports

The most famous soccer team in Seoul is FC Seoul. Their stadium is Sang-am World cup Stadium. It can seat 66,806 people.

Seoul has three famous baseball teams that all play as part of the Korea Baseball Organization. One is The Doosan Bears and they have many famous players. The LG Twins won the Korean Series in 1990 and 1994. Both of these teams play at Jamsil Stadium. Lastly The Nexen heroes who use Mokdong stadium .

Seoul has many stadiums such as Olympic stadium, Jamsil Stadium, Sang-am World Cup Stadium, and Mokdong Stadium. Olympic Stadium was built in 1988 for the Olympics. It was used for the opening and closing ceremonies. World Cup stadium was used for several games in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Language

Today, Korean is the official language in Seoul and is spoken in both North and South Korea. Hangul is the alphabet for the written language. Hangul(한글,Korean) was made by Sejong the Great in 1443. Hangul has 19 consonants and 21 vowels and was said to be a scientific language patterned on the vocal organs. Hangul replaced the Hanja, or Chinese characters, which were used before and are still occasionally used.

Etymology

Seoul has been known in past by the names Wirye-seong (위례성), Hanju (한주), Namgyeong (남영), Hanseong (한성), Hanyang (한양), Gyeongseong (경성). It’s current name comes from the Korean word meaning “capital city.” The name Seoul is thought to come from the Seorabeol (서라벌) which is Gyeongju’s old name. Gyeongju was the kingdom Silla’s capital city.

Education

There are many universities in Seoul. Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University, Sungkyunkwan University, Chungang University are in Seoul too. Seoul University is Korea’s first national university. Korea University is widely acknowledged as one of the country’s oldest, largest and top-ranked universities in Korea.

Transportation

Seoul’s transportation dates back to the Korean empire, when the first streetcar lines were laid and a railroad between Seoul and Incheon was completed. Today, because of the effectiveness of Seoul’s transportation network it has become a great transportation center for Asia.

Train

Seoul is connected to every big Korean city by the KTX high speed train, which goes more than 300km/h(186mph).

Subway

Seoul has a big subway now that connects every part of the city and many other close cities.

Bus

Seoul bus system is operated by the seoul metropolitan government, with four bus areas servicing most of the city.

Airport

There are two airports close to Seoul. One is Gimpo International Airport, the other is Incheon International Airport .

Culture

Museums, Art Galleries, and Libraries

• Museums and Art Galleries → See List of Museums in Seoul
• National Library of Korea
• National Assembly Library of Korea

Historic Sights

• Changgyeong Palace
• Changdeok Palace
• Deoksu Palace
• Gyeongbok Palace
• Gyeonghui Palace
• Donggwanwang Shrine
• Hwangudan
• Nakseongdae
• Sajikdan
• Seodaemun Prison
• Royal Shrine of Joseon Dynasty
• Pungnap Earthen Wall

Tourist Attractions

• COEX
• Insa-dong
• Itaewon
• Lotte World
• Myeong-dong
• Namdaemun Market
• Namsangol Hanok Village--Hanok is a traditional Korean house.
• N Seoul Tower
• Samcheong-dong
• University Road
• 63 Building

Parks & Stadiums

• Boramae Park
• Children's Grand Park
• Han River Citizens' Park
• Mount Bukhan National Park
• Seoul Forest
• Seoul Olympic Park
• World Cup Park
• Yangjae Citizens' Forest
• Yeoui Island Park
• Seoul Olympic Stadium
• Seoul World Cup Stadium

Performing Centers

• Chongdong Theater
• National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts
• National Theater of Korea
• Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
• Seoul Arts Center

Broadcasing Stations

• Korean Broadcasting System(KBS)
• Educational Broadcasting System(EBS)
• Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation(MBC)
• Seoul Broadcasting System(SBS)

Architetures

63 building

63 building is 249m high. It has cinema (63 IMAX), observatory - 60th floor (63 Sky Art), aquarium (63 Seaworld), and lots of amenity. The 63 building has 60 stories high and 3 stories below so it became 63 building. The elevator’s speed is 540m/min. Before Daehan Life Insurance’s building but it’s now Hanwha’s building.

N Seoul tower (Namsan Tower)

N Seoul tower is 236.7m high. It has restaurant and observatory. In the first floor, you can see Seoul only. But you can see Incheon in the fifth floor. YTN take over the building and it became YTN Seoul building (N Seoul building for short).

Gyeongbokgung

Gyeongbokgung is Joseon’s castle. It has Gangnyeongjeon, Geunjeongjeon, Gwanghwamun, Gyeonghoeru, Gyotaejeon, Hyangwonjeong, Jagyeongjeon, Jibokjae, Sajeongjeon, Sujeongjeon, Taewonjeon, Donggung, and Geoncheonggung.

Sungnyemun

Sungnyemun is Joseon’s south big door. It is national treasure number 1 in Korea. But, it had a fire in 2008. So it was fixed. And on May 4th 2013, it was done.

Districts

Dobong District (도봉구; 道峰區) Dongdaemun District (동대문구; 東大門區) Dongjak District (동작구; 銅雀區) Eunpyeong District (은평구; 恩平區) Gangbuk District (강북구; 江北區) Gangdong District (강동구; 江東區) Gangnam District (강남구; 江南區) Gangseo District (강서구; 江西區) Geumcheon District (금천구; 衿川區) Guro District (구로구; 九老區) Gwanak District (관악구; 冠岳區) Gwangjin District (광진구; 廣津區) Jongno District (종로구; 鍾路區)

Jung District (중구; 中區) Jungnang District (중랑구; 中浪區) Mapo District (마포구; 麻浦區) Nowon District (노원구; 蘆原區) Seocho District (서초구; 瑞草區) Seodaemun District (서대문구; 西大門區) Seongbuk District (성북구; 城北區) Seongdong District (성동구; 城東區) Songpa District (송파구; 松坡區) Yangcheon District (양천구; 陽川區) Yeongdeungpo District (영등포구; 永登浦區) Yongsan District (용산구; 龍山區)