The capital of South Korea and the most populated city in the world, with a population of approximately 10,776,000. It is located in the northwestern part of the country on the Han River. It was favorable for a capital city because it was near the center of a previously undivided Korea and on a navigable river. Seoul was the capital of Korea from 1394 and was later the center of Japanese rule in the country. The 20th-century demilitarized zone, which divides North and South Korea, runs partially through the mouth of the Han, diminishing Seoul's role as a river port. Seoul has the status of a special city under the direct control of the home minister, with administrative status equal to that of a province.

Most of Seoul's economic activity is in manufacturing, commerce, and service industries. Within the manufacturing sector the production of textiles, machinery, and chemicals are the most prominent. Other important industries are food processing, printing, and publishing.