Seoul is the political, cultural, commercial, financial,
and educational center of Korea. (population: 10.8million)
The area of the City took the form of a town about 2,000 years ago when
it was chosen as the capital of the Baekje Kingdom (18 B.C. ~ 660 A.D.),
one of the three ancient states on the Korean Peninsula, and was called
Wirye-Seong. After Silla integrated the two other Kingdoms in 668 A.D.,
the capital City's name was changed to Hanyang-gun, which was also used
to refer to the capital city of the later Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
Mountains circle Seoul on all sides with Namsan (South Mountain) springing
up in the center. Although the Han River once marked the southern boundary,
the city has sprawled across to the southern side with some 2 dozen bridges
crossing it and one subway tunnel underneath. As Korea's capital and most
populous city, Seoul represents the country's center for business, education,
and modern culture. It offers many activities for everyone, including museums
and palaces, parks and mountains, and amusement parks and night clubs. |
