History of Seoul

The early period

Archaeological exploration shows evidence of human settlement since about 4000 bce along the Han River in the area now occupied by Seoul. The earliest historical mention of Seoul and the surrounding area dates from the 1st century bce. During the Three Kingdoms period (c. 57 bce–668 ce) of Silla, Koguryŏ (Koguryeo), and Paekche, the area formed a borderland between the three countries, although during the early part of the period it was most closely associated with the kingdom of Paekche. Historical accounts as well as archaeological records indicate that the original site of Paekche’s capital, Wiryesŏng (Wiryeseong), was in the northeastern part of present-day Seoul. Shortly thereafter the capital was moved south across the Han River; a number of remains, including earthen walls, dwellings, and tombs, have been uncovered at that site. It was not, however, until King Munjong of Koryŏ built a summer palace in 1068 ce that a fairly large settlement existed on the site of the modern city.

After the formal establishment of Seoul as the capital of the unified Chosŏn state in 1394, construction and growth were very rapid. Construction of the Kyŏngbok Palace began in 1392; it was the residence of the Chosŏn kings from 1395 until 1592. Before residence had even been established, construction of the city’s defensive walls had been completed, although so hastily that they had to be reconstructed in 1422. The Tŏksu Palace, construction of which began in the late 15th century, was the residence of the Chosŏn kings from 1593 until 1611. The Ch’angdŏk Palace, begun in 1405, was the residence from 1611 to 1872, when the king moved back into the reconstructed Kyŏngbok Palace (it had been burned by the Japanese in 1592 and was not rebuilt until 1867). Throughout this period Seoul remained the centre of the “Hermit Kingdom,” with little contact permitted with the outside world. The opening of Korea to diplomatic contacts with the West in 1876, at a time when the weakening Chosŏn dynasty was unable to control Western influence, led in 1905 to the establishment of a Japanese protectorate over the kingdom.

The contemporary city

A year after Japan’s annexation of Korea in 1910, the name of the Seoul area was changed to Kyŏngsŏng (Gyeongseong), and minor changes were made in its boundaries. Seoul served as the centre of Japanese rule, and modern technology was imported. Roads were paved, old gates and walls partly removed, new Western-style buildings built, and streetcars introduced.

After the end of Japanese control in 1945, the name of the city was officially established as Seoul. Seoul came under the direct control of the central government as the Special Free City of Seoul (Sŏul-t’ŭkpyŏljayusi). In 1949 its administrative designation was changed to “Special City of Seoul” (Sŏul-t’ŭkpyŏlsi). The city was left devastated by the Korean War (1950–53), during which the capital was moved temporarily (1951–53) to Pusan (Busan). In 1962 Seoul was placed directly under the control of the prime minister. Out of the postwar rubble rose a modern city of skyscrapers and highways that has become one of the largest metropolises in the world.

City planning in the latter half of the 20th century tended to lag behind the urbanization process and the problems caused by its rapid concentration of population and municipal functions. However, the South Korean economy also grew, and rapidly enough to cover the construction costs and basic needs of the city. Beginning with the Seoul 1988 Summer Olympic Games, the city strove to increase its profile on the world stage. In the meantime, national development plans attempted to control urban sprawl while accommodating international businesses and high-technology industries. The stated goal of these plans was to establish Seoul as a cultural, political, economic, and transportation hub for northeastern Asia.