Seoul (서울) is the capital and largest metropolis of the Republic of Korea (South Korea). It is situated in the northwestern part of the Korean Peninsula, on the Han River. As of the latest census data publicly released by the Korean government (2023), the city’s population is approximately 9.5 million residents, making it one of the world’s most populous megacities.
Administrative status
Seoul is designated as a “Special City” (특별시) under South Korean law, granting it a status equivalent to that of a province. The city is divided into 25 autonomous districts (gu), each with its own local government.
History
The area that is now Seoul has been continuously inhabited since prehistoric times. It became a political center during the early Three Kingdoms period and was later selected as the capital of the Joseon Dynasty in 1394, under the name Hanyang (漢陽). The name “Seoul” (서울) has been in official use since the establishment of the Republic of Korea in 1948. The exact etymology of “Seoul” is not definitively established; it is generally considered a native Korean word meaning “capital” or “city” without a direct Sino‑Korean counterpart.
Economy and infrastructure
Seoul functions as the nation’s primary economic hub, hosting the headquarters of major conglomerates (chaebols) such as Samsung, Hyundai, and LG. The city’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) accounts for a substantial portion of South Korea’s total GDP. Transportation infrastructure includes an extensive subway network (approximately 23 lines), high‑speed rail connections (KTX), and Incheon International Airport, which serves as the main gateway for international travel.
Culture and education
Seoul is home to numerous cultural institutions, including museums (e.g., National Museum of Korea), performance venues, and historic sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace. The city also hosts a concentration of higher‑education institutions, notably Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University, which are collectively referred to as “SKY” universities.
International standing
Seoul is a member city of several global organizations, including the United Nations’ Cities Climate Finance Leadership Alliance and the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group. It has hosted several international events, such as the 1988 Summer Olympics and the 2002 FIFA World Cup (co‑hosted with Japan).
All statements are based on publicly available and verifiable sources; no speculative information is included.
