Seoul

Seoul, as the capital and largest city of South Korea, exemplifies the country’s swift development and extensive cultural heritage. Comprising around 9.97 million people, this city is the seat of the South Korean government and the hub of the country’s political, cultural, and economic life as of 2020. Resilience, creativity, and unwavering drive abound in the city’s development from its ancient beginnings to its contemporary worldwide powerhouse.

Seoul‘s past goes beyond two millennia; it began in 18 BC when the Baekje people founded one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. The city’s many historical sites and cultural icons mirror its long past. Officially assigned as the capital during the Joseon era, Seoul remains so today. Seoul‘s Fortress Wall encompassed the city; parts of which still bear witness to its historical significance.

Under Japanese control and temporarily dubbed “Gyeongseong,” Seoul had great difficulties in the early 20th century. The devastation caused by the Korean War replaced the period of foreign rule; Seoul was seized and taken back four times, causing great damage all around the city. Still, the post-war era was a major period of reconstruction and fast urbanization that helped Seoul become the modern city it is today.

Seoul has become well-known worldwide in recent years for both economic strength and better quality of living. Arcadis placed the city second worldwide on quality of life and named it as Asia’s most livable city in 2015. Seoul‘s remarkable GDP per capita (PPP) of almost $40,000 emphasizes both the city’s economic strength and the higher quality of living that its people enjoy.

Several of the biggest and most creative companies in the world abound in Seoul‘s economic scene. Among the fifteen Fortune Global 500 firms housed in the Seoul Capital Area are well-known companies such as Samsung, LG, and Hyundai. The corporate titans have positioned Seoul as a worldwide leader in technology and innovation and greatly help South Korea‘s economic growth. Prominent technology centers in the city, Gangnam and Digital Media City, are known for their superior research and development spanning several fields.

The influence of the metropolis abroad goes beyond its financial capability. Seventh in the Global Power City Index and the Global Financial Centres Index, Seoul‘s importance in world affairs and finance is highlighted. Emerging as one of the top hosts of world conferences, it confirms its importance in international business networking and diplomacy. Through the 1986 Asian Games, the 1988 Summer Olympics, the 2010 G20 Seoul summit, and its co-hosting of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the city proved its ability to organize major international events.

The rugged and hilly terrain of Seoul defines the city’s topography and is most notable for Bukhan Mountain at its northern edge. The unique topography has shaped the growth of the city by providing lots of chances for outdoor activities and breathtaking vistas for both people living there and tourists. Acting as a necessary conduit and preferred leisure area for the people, the Han River splits the city into northern and southern halves.

Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Seoul Capital Area— Changdeok Palace, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo Shrine, Namhansanseong, and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon dynasty—showcase Seoul‘s cultural value. Drawing millions of visitors yearly and acting as major teaching tools, these landmarks offer insight into Korea‘s architectural and historical legacy.

Seoul simultaneously actively interacts with modern developments and protects its historical legacy. Notable modern buildings in the city’s skyline represent South Korea‘s architectural inventiveness and technical development. Notable examples include the 63 Building, N Seoul Tower, Lotte World Tower, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Lotte World, Trade Tower, COEX, IFC Seoul, Parc 1. These sites not only have useful purposes but also help to define Seoul‘s unique urban look by combining modern design with traditional Korean characteristics.

Seoul‘s commitment to design and inventiveness was recognized in 2010 when it was named World Design Capital. This classification underlined the city’s efforts to include design thinking into public services and urban planning, therefore enhancing the quality of life for both people living here and tourists.

Seoul has been a major player in world culture especially because of its significant involvement in the Korean Wave, sometimes known as “Hallyu.” The city provides a primary core for South Korea‘s music, entertainment, and cultural industries, therefore enabling the worldwide recognition of K-pop and Korean dramas. This cultural export has improved South Korea‘s soft power and drawn many visitors and students eager to personally enjoy Seoul‘s vibrant environment.

Seoul‘s commitment to efficiency and sustainability is shown by the city’s sophisticated urban design and engineering found in its transportation system. The system started in the era of the Korean Empire, when the first streetcar lines were established and a railroad connecting Seoul and Incheon was finished. Comprising nine main subway lines spanning more than 250 kilometers and an extra line under development, Seoul today boasts one of the most complete and advanced public transportation systems in the world. Notwithstanding its large population, the interconnected network and strong transit system help to enable effective movement inside the city.