Seoul

Seoul, officially Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest city of South Korea. The broader Seoul Capital Area, encompassing Gyeonggi province and Incheon metropolitan city, emerged as the world's fourth largest metropolitan economy in 2014, trailing only Tokyo, New York City, and Los Angeles, hosting more than half of South Korea's population. Although Seoul's population peaked at slightly over 10 million, it has gradually decreased since 2014, standing at approximately 9.97 million residents as of 2020. Seoul is the seat of the South Korean government.
seoul

Some of the key events about Seoul

  • 1394
    The city was designated as the capital of the Joseon Dynasty
  • 1592
    Japanese forces invaded and occupied Seoul during the Imjin War
  • 1900
    The first modern electrical facility was installed, bringing electric streetlights to the city
  • 1910
    Seoul fell under Japanese colonial rule as part of the annexation of Korea
  • 1945
    Seoul was liberated from Japanese colonial rule
  • 1950
    Seoul was captured by North Korean forces during the Korean War
  • 1951
    Seoul was severely damaged during its recapture in the Korean War
  • 1963
    The first subway line in South Korea began construction in Seoul
  • 1980
    The Gwangju Uprising led to martial law being imposed in Seoul
  • 1988
    Seoul successfully hosted the Summer Olympics
  • 1995
    The Seoul Metropolitan Subway became the world's longest subway system
  • 1995
    The Sampoong Department Store collapse killed 502 people and injured 937
  • 2002
    Seoul co-hosted the FIFA World Cup with Japan
  • 2003
    A major subway arson attack in Seoul killed 192 people
  • 2007
    The worst oil spill in South Korea's history occurred near Seoul
  • 2010
    Seoul was designated as World Design Capital
  • 2014
    The sinking of the MV Sewol ferry near Seoul resulted in 304 deaths
  • 2017
    The city opened Seoullo 7017, an elevated linear park converted from a former highway
  • 2022
    Seoul launched its first self-driving bus service on a regular route
  • 2022
    A crowd crush in Seoul's Itaewon district killed at least 159 people

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Seoul Latest news

North Korean Trash Balloons Disrupt Seoul's Major Airports

North Korean Trash Balloons Disrupt Seoul's Major Airports

September 25 2024, 04:04 AM  •  583 views
South Korean Businessman Tongsun Park, Central Figure in Two Major Scandals, Dies at 89

South Korean Businessman Tongsun Park, Central Figure in Two Major Scandals, Dies at 89

September 24 2024, 03:56 AM  •  490 views
South Korea's Nuclear Dilemma: 5 Critical Questions Overlooked in the Debate

South Korea's Nuclear Dilemma: 5 Critical Questions Overlooked in the Debate

September 22 2024, 11:06 PM  •  4541 views
U.S. Soldier Travis King Freed After North Korea Border Incident

U.S. Soldier Travis King Freed After North Korea Border Incident

September 21 2024, 03:23 PM  •  499 views
South Korea's Split Views on North Korean Nuclear Threat

South Korea's Split Views on North Korean Nuclear Threat

September 12 2024, 09:42 AM  •  510 views
South Koreans Divided on North Korean Threat: Fear vs. Indifference

South Koreans Divided on North Korean Threat: Fear vs. Indifference

September 12 2024, 04:40 AM  •  600 views
South Korean Commission Uncovers Forced Adoptions in State-Run Facilities

South Korean Commission Uncovers Forced Adoptions in State-Run Facilities

September 9 2024, 08:33 AM  •  562 views
Massive Climate Protest in Seoul Demands Stronger Government Action

Massive Climate Protest in Seoul Demands Stronger Government Action

September 7 2024, 09:17 AM  •  926 views
Kishida's Final Seoul Visit Aims to Cement Japan-South Korea Ties

Kishida's Final Seoul Visit Aims to Cement Japan-South Korea Ties

September 6 2024, 01:27 AM  •  1064 views
Seoul Alerts: North Korean Trash Balloons Spotted Over South Korean Capital

Seoul Alerts: North Korean Trash Balloons Spotted Over South Korean Capital

September 4 2024, 08:04 PM  •  255 views
Japanese PM Kishida to Meet South Korean President Yoon in Seoul

Japanese PM Kishida to Meet South Korean President Yoon in Seoul

September 3 2024, 07:25 AM  •  2312 views
South Korean President Skips Parliament Opening Amid Political Tensions

South Korean President Skips Parliament Opening Amid Political Tensions

September 2 2024, 08:24 AM  •  546 views
Global Snapshots: From Daring Feats to Natural Wonders

Global Snapshots: From Daring Feats to Natural Wonders

August 29 2024, 07:29 PM  •  1045 views
Elderly Couple Rescued After SUV Plunges into Seoul Sinkhole

Elderly Couple Rescued After SUV Plunges into Seoul Sinkhole

August 29 2024, 04:09 PM  •  451 views
North Korea's New Missile Launchers Raise Concerns in South Korea

North Korea's New Missile Launchers Raise Concerns in South Korea

August 26 2024, 06:09 AM  •  1110 views
Washington Post Appoints New London Hub Editor for Global Coverage

Washington Post Appoints New London Hub Editor for Global Coverage

August 21 2024, 01:16 PM  •  471 views
Tropical Depression Drenches South Korea, Causing Minor Flooding

Tropical Depression Drenches South Korea, Causing Minor Flooding

August 21 2024, 01:33 AM  •  858 views
Weakened Tropical Storm Jongdari Approaches South Korea's Coast

Weakened Tropical Storm Jongdari Approaches South Korea's Coast

August 20 2024, 07:55 PM  •  525 views
Tropical Storm Jongdari Approaches South Korea: Precautions Underway

Tropical Storm Jongdari Approaches South Korea: Precautions Underway

August 20 2024, 03:51 PM  •  405 views
Massive US-South Korea Air Drills Commence Amid Regional Tensions

Massive US-South Korea Air Drills Commence Amid Regional Tensions
Exclusive

August 20 2024, 04:46 AM  •  15778 views
Seoul's Fireworks Extravaganza: Safety Measures Heightened Amid Massive Turnout

Seoul's Fireworks Extravaganza: Safety Measures Heightened Amid Massive Turnout

Seoul's annual fireworks festival draws over a million spectators, prompting extensive safety measures. The event, set against the backdrop of the Han River, combines spectacle with stringent crowd control efforts.

Society, Culture • October 5 2024, 11:35 AM  •  679 views
South Korea Evacuates 97 Citizens from Lebanon Amid Regional Tensions

South Korea Evacuates 97 Citizens from Lebanon Amid Regional Tensions

South Korea has initiated the evacuation of 97 citizens and family members from Lebanon due to escalating regional tensions. The military transport aircraft is set to return to Seoul on Saturday.

Society, Politics • October 5 2024, 03:40 AM  •  692 views
Global Events Snapshot: From Eclipses to Protests and Natural Disasters

Global Events Snapshot: From Eclipses to Protests and Natural Disasters

A visual journey through recent world events, featuring an annular eclipse, political rallies, climate protests, and the aftermath of natural disasters, as captured by photojournalists worldwide.

Society, Politics, Science • October 4 2024, 07:03 PM  •  854 views
Global Snapshots: From Eclipses to Protests, a Week in Pictures

Global Snapshots: From Eclipses to Protests, a Week in Pictures

A visual journey through significant events worldwide, featuring natural phenomena, political rallies, and humanitarian crises. Washington Post editors curate impactful images capturing global narratives.

Society, Politics, Science • October 4 2024, 05:53 PM  •  403 views
Kim Jong Un Threatens Nuclear Action as Korean Tensions Escalate

Kim Jong Un Threatens Nuclear Action as Korean Tensions Escalate

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warns of nuclear retaliation against South Korea, while Seoul unveils powerful weapons. Tensions rise as North Korea plans constitutional changes rejecting reconciliation.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 11:58 PM  •  408 views
South Korea Flexes Military Might, Warns North Korea on Armed Forces Day

South Korea Flexes Military Might, Warns North Korea on Armed Forces Day

South Korea showcased its most powerful weapons during Armed Forces Day, issuing a stern warning to North Korea. The event highlighted growing tensions and the complex geopolitical situation on the Korean Peninsula.

Politics • October 1 2024, 04:06 AM  •  556 views
North Korea Condemns US Military Presence in South Korea

North Korea Condemns US Military Presence in South Korea

North Korea criticizes US deployment of nuclear assets in South Korea, as Seoul prepares for Armed Forces Day parade. Pyongyang threatens "fresh action plans" in response to perceived provocations.

Politics • September 30 2024, 10:34 PM  •  652 views
Seoul Court Sentences Ex-Police Chief in Deadly Halloween Crush Case

Seoul Court Sentences Ex-Police Chief in Deadly Halloween Crush Case

Former Yongsan police chief receives 3-year sentence for mishandling 2022 Itaewon crowd crush. Court deems incident a "man-made disaster," sparking renewed calls for accountability and safety reforms.

Society, Politics • September 30 2024, 12:34 PM  •  212 views
BTS Member Suga Fined for E-Scooter DUI Incident

BTS Member Suga Fined for E-Scooter DUI Incident

K-pop star Suga of BTS fined 15 million won for drunk driving an electric scooter. The incident occurred amidst the group's hiatus, prompting mixed reactions from fans and raising questions about idol image.

Society, Culture • September 30 2024, 02:37 AM  •  964 views
South Korea Unveils Plan to Ban Dog Meat and Rehome 500,000 Dogs

South Korea Unveils Plan to Ban Dog Meat and Rehome 500,000 Dogs

South Korea announces a comprehensive plan to ban dog meat consumption by 2027, including subsidies for farmers and efforts to rehome nearly half a million dogs bred for food.

Society, Culture • September 27 2024, 09:54 AM  •  32 views
North Korean Trash Balloons Disrupt Seoul's Major Airports

North Korean Trash Balloons Disrupt Seoul's Major Airports

South Korea's main airports face repeated closures due to North Korean trash balloons, causing operational challenges. The campaign, ongoing since June, has led to multiple runway shutdowns at Incheon and Gimpo airports.

Society, Politics • September 25 2024, 04:04 AM  •  583 views
South Korean Businessman Tongsun Park, Central Figure in Two Major Scandals, Dies at 89

South Korean Businessman Tongsun Park, Central Figure in Two Major Scandals, Dies at 89

Tongsun Park, a South Korean businessman involved in the 1970s Koreagate and 2000s Iraq oil-for-food scandals, has died at 89. Known for his political connections and flamboyant lifestyle, Park faced legal consequences for his actions.

Business, Politics • September 24 2024, 03:56 AM  •  490 views
South Korea's Nuclear Dilemma: 5 Critical Questions Overlooked in the Debate

South Korea's Nuclear Dilemma: 5 Critical Questions Overlooked in the Debate

South Korea considers nuclear armament amid growing threats. This analysis explores five crucial questions often ignored, highlighting potential risks and challenges of this significant shift in defense policy.

Politics • September 22 2024, 11:06 PM  •  4541 views
U.S. Soldier Travis King Freed After North Korea Border Incident

U.S. Soldier Travis King Freed After North Korea Border Incident

U. S. Army Private Travis King, who entered North Korea unauthorized in 2023, has been sentenced and released. He pleaded guilty to five charges, concluding a complex international incident.

Politics • September 21 2024, 03:23 PM  •  499 views
South Korea's Split Views on North Korean Nuclear Threat

South Korea's Split Views on North Korean Nuclear Threat

South Koreans are divided on the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear program. While some prepare for potential attacks, others dismiss the danger, reflecting complex societal factors and historical context.

Society, Politics • September 12 2024, 09:42 AM  •  510 views
South Koreans Divided on North Korean Threat: Fear vs. Indifference

South Koreans Divided on North Korean Threat: Fear vs. Indifference

South Koreans hold contrasting views on the danger posed by North Korea, ranging from deep concern to indifference. Age, politics, and personal experiences shape these diverse perspectives.

Society, Politics • September 12 2024, 04:40 AM  •  600 views
South Korean Commission Uncovers Forced Adoptions in State-Run Facilities

South Korean Commission Uncovers Forced Adoptions in State-Run Facilities

A South Korean commission has revealed evidence of forced infant adoptions from government facilities between the 1960s and 1980s. The report exposes human rights violations and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

Society, Culture • September 9 2024, 08:33 AM  •  562 views
Massive Climate Protest in Seoul Demands Stronger Government Action

Massive Climate Protest in Seoul Demands Stronger Government Action

Over 30,000 protesters gathered in Seoul, calling for more aggressive climate policies. The demonstration, occurring during a heatwave, highlighted the urgency of addressing global warming in South Korea.

Society, Politics, Science • September 7 2024, 09:17 AM  •  926 views
Kishida's Final Seoul Visit Aims to Cement Japan-South Korea Ties

Kishida's Final Seoul Visit Aims to Cement Japan-South Korea Ties

Japanese PM Kishida visits Seoul to solidify improved relations with South Korea. The trip, amid leadership changes, focuses on enhancing cooperation and addressing historical issues.

Society, Politics • September 6 2024, 01:27 AM  •  1064 views
Seoul Alerts: North Korean Trash Balloons Spotted Over South Korean Capital

Seoul Alerts: North Korean Trash Balloons Spotted Over South Korean Capital

South Korea detects suspected trash-carrying balloons from North Korea, issuing alerts to citizens. This latest incident adds to growing tensions between the two nations, rooted in their complex history.

Society, Politics • September 4 2024, 08:04 PM  •  255 views
Japanese PM Kishida to Meet South Korean President Yoon in Seoul

Japanese PM Kishida to Meet South Korean President Yoon in Seoul

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will visit Seoul for talks with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. The summit aims to strengthen bilateral ties and address regional security concerns.

Economics, Politics • September 3 2024, 07:25 AM  •  2312 views
South Korean President Skips Parliament Opening Amid Political Tensions

South Korean President Skips Parliament Opening Amid Political Tensions

President Yoon Suk Yeol boycotts formal opening of South Korea's parliament, breaking tradition. Move deepens political divide as opposition pushes for investigations into alleged wrongdoings.

Society, Politics • September 2 2024, 08:24 AM  •  546 views
Global Snapshots: From Daring Feats to Natural Wonders

Global Snapshots: From Daring Feats to Natural Wonders

A curated collection of captivating images from around the world showcases human resilience, cultural celebrations, and nature's power. From skydiving centenarians to lightning storms, these photos offer a glimpse into diverse global experiences.

Society, Culture • August 29 2024, 07:29 PM  •  1045 views
Elderly Couple Rescued After SUV Plunges into Seoul Sinkhole

Elderly Couple Rescued After SUV Plunges into Seoul Sinkhole

A sudden sinkhole in central Seoul swallowed an SUV, injuring two elderly occupants. The incident highlights ongoing infrastructure challenges in South Korea's capital, with hundreds of sinkholes reported in recent years.

Society • August 29 2024, 04:09 PM  •  451 views
North Korea's New Missile Launchers Raise Concerns in South Korea

North Korea's New Missile Launchers Raise Concerns in South Korea

North Korea's deployment of new missile launchers on the South Korean border sparks worry. South Korean intelligence questions Pyongyang's missile supply capacity amid alleged arms trade with Russia.

Society, Politics • August 26 2024, 06:09 AM  •  1110 views
Washington Post Appoints New London Hub Editor for Global Coverage

Washington Post Appoints New London Hub Editor for Global Coverage

The Washington Post announces Kendra Nichols as the new London hub editor, set to lead the team in early 2025. Nichols brings experience from Seoul, enhancing The Post's 24/7 global news operation.

Politics • August 21 2024, 01:16 PM  •  471 views
Tropical Depression Drenches South Korea, Causing Minor Flooding

Tropical Depression Drenches South Korea, Causing Minor Flooding

A weakened tropical system brought heavy rainfall to southern South Korea and Seoul. While no injuries were reported, some property damage occurred, prompting government warnings and precautionary measures.

Society, Science • August 21 2024, 01:33 AM  •  858 views
Weakened Tropical Storm Jongdari Approaches South Korea's Coast

Weakened Tropical Storm Jongdari Approaches South Korea's Coast

Tropical Storm Jongdari weakens as it nears South Korea, bringing heavy rain to southern regions. Officials urge caution as the storm moves towards Seoul, with landfall expected Wednesday morning.

Society, Science • August 20 2024, 07:55 PM  •  525 views
Tropical Storm Jongdari Approaches South Korea: Precautions Underway

Tropical Storm Jongdari Approaches South Korea: Precautions Underway

South Korea prepares for Tropical Storm Jongdari's arrival, with officials implementing safety measures. The storm is expected to weaken before reaching the mainland, bringing moderate rainfall to various regions.

Society, Science • August 20 2024, 03:51 PM  •  405 views
Exclusive
Massive US-South Korea Air Drills Commence Amid Regional Tensions

Massive US-South Korea Air Drills Commence Amid Regional Tensions

Over 200 fighter jets from South Korea and the US begin intensive five-day drills. Part of annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, the operation aims to enhance readiness against North Korean threats.

Politics • August 20 2024, 04:46 AM  •  15778 views
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