While few historical points of interest remain (most of the temples and palaces are reconstructions), much of Seoul's infrastructure is exceptionally modern and clean. Occupied twice during the Korean War by Communist forces, the city was extensively rebuilt and today is one of Asia's primary metropolises. Since the establishment of the Republic of Korea in 1948, Seoul has been the capital of South Korea. After the Japanese surrender in 1945, the city was re-named to its current name, Seoul. The Joseon Dynasty built most of Seoul's most recognisable landmarks, including the Five Grand Palaces and Namdaemun. Originally named Hanseong (한성 漢城), the city was the capital of the Joseon Dynasty from 1392 to 1910, and remained the capital of Korea during the period of Japanese colonial rule which followed under the name Gyeongseong (경성 京城), or Keijo in Japanese. There is evidence for settlement in this area as far as 18 BC but Seoul as the capital city of Korea has a history back to the 14th century. Seoul has a long history stretching far back into Korea's dynastic past. By some measures it is the world's second largest urban agglomeration, after Tokyo.
The city houses 11.8 million people, and the metropolitan area has 25.6 million, which is just over half of the population of South Korea. Seoul is the largest city in South Korea as well as the political and economic capital. A fascinating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge digital technology, home to endless street food vendors and vast nightlife districts, an extraordinarily high-pressure educational system and serene Buddhist temples, a trend-setting youth culture and often crushing conformism, extraordinary architecture and endless monotonous rows of grey apartment buildings, Seoul is a city filled with stark contrasts.
Seoul also serves as the cultural, economic, business and political center of South Korea where skyscrapers towers over its buddhist temples. With a municipal population of over 11.8 million, and a metropolitan population totaling over 25.6 million, Seoul is by far South Korea's largest city and one of East Asia's financial and cultural epicenters. Before, Seoul was the capital of the Korea from 1394 until the formal division of the country In 1948. Seoul (서울) is the capital of South Korea. Changdeokgung (Changdeok Palace) is one of several palaces within the city of Seoul, and the only one inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.