Seoul

Seoul is the capital and largest city of South Korea, located in the northwestern part of the country along the Han River. The city lies in a basin surrounded by mountains and hills, a setting that has influenced its development and landscape. Seoul has a humid continental climate, with hot, humid summers and cold, relatively dry winters. The Han River crosses the metropolitan area and is an important geographical feature, while numerous parks and green spaces are spread across the city. Seoul is the political, economic, technological and cultural centre of South Korea and forms the heart of a much larger metropolitan region.

Its public transport system includes an extensive subway network, buses and suburban rail services, allowing large numbers of people to travel across the densely populated urban area. The city combines high-rise residential districts and business centres with traditional neighbourhoods, historic sites and mountain landscapes. Seoul is also an important centre for education, research and technology, and its economy is closely connected with major industries such as electronics, telecommunications and digital services. The surrounding metropolitan region extends into neighbouring areas and includes many of the country's most densely populated communities.

The history of Seoul goes back many centuries. The city became especially important in 1394, when it was chosen as the capital of the Joseon dynasty and was known as Hanyang. Palaces, administrative buildings and defensive walls were constructed around the royal capital, and several historic sites from this period remain today. During the 20th century, Seoul experienced major changes, including Japanese colonial rule, the Korean War and rapid economic development after the 1950s. Much of the modern city was rebuilt and expanded during this period.

Well-known historic landmarks include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and the city gates, while the N Seoul Tower and modern districts illustrate its more recent development. The historic areas of Seoul preserve important examples of Korean architecture and urban planning. Today, the city is a major international centre for business, technology, culture and education. Its landscape brings together traces of the Joseon period, modern infrastructure and dense urban development, showing how Seoul has transformed while retaining important elements of its historical identity.