Its Official Name Is Seoul Special City
The largest and capital city of South Korea is Seoul. Several Korean governments, including Baekje, Joseon, the Korean Empire, Goryeo (as a subsidiary city), and the current South Korea, all had Seoul as their capital. It is situated along the Han River at a crucial area. The inhabitants of Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, created Seoul more than two thousand years ago, in 18 BC. Later, under the Joseon dynasty, the city was named the capital of Korea. Bukhan Mountain, which is situated on the northern outskirts of the city, is one of many hills and mountains that encircle Seoul.
One of the interesting facts about Seoul is it has gone by a number of names. During the Baekje era, one of the Three Kingdoms that ruled over ancient Korea from the first century BCE to the seventh century CE, Seoul was known as Wiryeseong. Afterward, during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) it was known as Wiryeseong. Its name during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910) was Hanyang. Its name during colonial rule (1910–1945) was Keijo. Seoul was given its official name in 1945, and in 1949 it was made a Seoul Special City.
The Changdeok Palace, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo Shrine, Namhansanseong, and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty are five UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are located in the Seoul Capital Area. Key modern landmarks in Seoul include the N Seoul Tower, the 63 Building, the Lotte World Tower, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Lotte World & Trade Tower, COEX, and the IFC Seoul. More recently, Seoul has been a major site for modern architectural construction. 2010 World Design Capital has been designated as Seoul. K-pop and the Korean wave were created there.
