The Capital Metropolitan Area is a region located at the center of the Korean peninsula and is home to the capital of South Korea, Seoul. This entire region has a population of 27 million people, and about 22 million of them commute daily to workplaces near and within Seoul. The region, according to traditional borders, encompasses Seoul, Incheon, Kaesong, and Gyeonggi Province (Seongnam, Goyang, Suwon, Bucheon, etc), but since the Korean War no longer includes Kaesong. It forms the cultural, commercial, financial, industrial, and residential center of South Korea.

History

The Capital Metropolitan Area has occupied a special place in Korean history. The first known capital that was located here was Wiryeseong, which was capital of the Baekje Kingdom. Following Wiryeseong's fall to an attack by the northern Goguryeo Kingdom in the 5th century, the region fell under Goguryeo jurisdiction. Then, in the 6th century, the Silla Kingdom attacked the region and held on to it until the 10th century, when regional warlords initiated a uprising that eventually led to Silla's downfall. The reason for this struggle that occurred between the three kngdoms mentioned above was also because of this region. Due to its moderate climate, fertility, and its location at the center of the Korean Peninsula, as well as the advantages to its convenient sea and land commerce, the region became famous for its high standard of living in relation with other regions and its ability to facilitate an excellent transportation system.

Following the collapse of Silla, a new royal dynasty took control in Korea. Known as the Goryeo Dynasty, the new state established its capital at Songak (modern-day Kaesong), which was the birthplace of the new dynasty's founder. During the Goryeo Dynasty's rule, Songak was renamed Gaegyeong. This new capital quickly grew as the largest city in Korea. However, with Goryeo's fall in the 14th century, its successor, the Joseon Dynasty, moved the capital to Hanyang, which had been named Namgyeong (Southern Capital) during the previous dynasty but was quickly renamed to Hanseong. During the new dynasty's rule, extensive road systems, administrative buildings, royal palaces, and new ports were built, quickly attracting wealth from all over the kingdom.

During the reign of the Korean Empire, Hanseong's public transportation was improved with the installation of streetcars and manually-drawn trolleys similar to taxis. Horse carriage systems similar to the ones in Europe were also established.

Following the Japanese annexation of Korea in 1910, Hanseong was renamed Keijo (Kyeongseong) and served as colonial Korea's capital. The Joseon Colonial Commandery Headquarters were built at Keijo, and several public institutions, such Keijo Imperial University, were founded. In addition, railroads connecting Seoul to other cities were completed, leading to the construction of Seoul Station soon after. As a result, transportation in the Capital Metropolitan Area greatly improved as well. It was also during the period of Japanese rule that the port of Incheon became a major trading harbor.

Korea's liberation from Japan in 1945 resulted in the renaming of Keijo. The former colonial capital was renamed Seoul and became capital of the Republic of Korea.

During the Korean War, the Capital Metropolitan Area became the focus of battles so destructive that most of Seoul and the surrounding regions were eradicated. Seoul was especially hit hard, since it exchanged hands nearly five times during the whole course of the war. Rebuilding was slow, due to a lack of construction materials and South Korea's poor economic state at the time.

During the latter half of the 20th century, the Capital Metropolitan Area began to rapidly develop as South Korea's economic wealth expanded. Population booms in the 1960', 70's, and 80's raised the population of the region to nearly four times the amount of people during the Korean War era. Foreign investment and state-supported industries took a strong foothold here. In 2001, Incheon International Airport took over all international flights to Seoul, further boosting the region's international status.

Present Status

Currently, the Capital Metropolitan Area forms South Korea's greatest industrial, commercial, financial, and residential region. Hi-tech industries, such as semi-conductor chip manufacturing, high-standard electronics production, and IT industries are especially strong here, playing a key role in South Korea's status as the world's strongest IT nation. Other factors that contribute to this region's position as a transportation and business hub for all of East Asia is finance and commerce, which are accomodated by Incheon International Airport and Seoul's downtown districts, where business is particularly vibrant. The Capital Metropolitan Area is also the cultural hub of the Korean Peninsula. Seoul alone is the site of five grand palaces and other historical attractions. Modern landmarks, such as the COEX Convention Center, the World Trade Center, Seoul Tower, and the 63 Building are all located in Seoul. Korea's highest skyscraper, Tower G of the Tower Palace high-rise apartment complex, is also renowned throughout the country. In recent years, the South Korean government has expanded efforts aimed at dispersing the heavily concentrated population of the Capital Metropolitan Area from Seoul to neighboring satellite cities in an effort to lower Seoul's heavy congestion levels. This has resulted in the rapid growth of cities like Seongnam, whose populations increased fivefold.

See also

• Administrative divisions of South Korea
• List of Korea-related topics