Seoul

Seoul (Korean, Sŏul), city in north-west South Korea, capital of the country, on the Han River near the Yellow Sea port of Inch'ǒn. Situated near North Korea, Seoul is the largest city and the commercial, manufacturing, and cultural centre of South Korea. Industrial plants produce textiles, clothing, chemicals, processed food, electrical and electronic equipment, machinery, and printed materials. Government activities and tourism are also important to the city's economy. Among the leading institutions of higher education in Seoul are Korea University (1905), Seoul National University (1946), Chung-ang University (1918), Sung Kyun Kwan University (1938), Ewha Women's University (1886), and Yonsei University (1885). Other landmarks include the National Museum, featuring collections of Korean art and artefacts; the National Science Museum; Gyungbok, Kyungbok, Changdok, and Duksoo palaces; a Roman Catholic cathedral; and zoological and botanical gardens. Of special interest are the bell tower, which contains a large bronze bell inscribed with the date 1468, and the remains of the ancient stone wall that once encircled the city. Seoul also has several theatres and a large stadium.

Seoul, then called Hanyang, became the capital of Korea in 1392. Defensive walls on the surrounding low hills helped keep the city relatively isolated from the rest of the world until contact with the West was permitted in the late 19th century. It served as the seat of the Korean Yi dynasty until 1910, when the country came under the control of the Japanese. Seoul was renamed Kyǒngsǒng in 1911. The city was the headquarters of Japanese colonial rule in Korea until 1945, during which time it underwent extensive development and modernization. After 1945 it was given its present name, which had long been in popular usage, and in 1948 the city was chosen to be the capital of the Republic of Korea (South Korea). During the Korean War (1950-1953), the city was several times captured and severely damaged by North Korean troops. A number of modern buildings were constructed here following the war, giving the city a prosperous appearance. Seoul hosted the Olympic Games in 1988. Population 9,714,000 (2003 estimate).