Seoul was chosen the official capital of the nation on September 27 (August 24 on lunar calendar), 1394 when Lee song-gye, the founder of Choson Dynasty, on the recommendation of the Do-Pyong-Eui-Sa (the privy counsel of that time) selected Hanyang as the new capital of the nation. On November 29 (October 28 on lunar calender), 1394 the court moved to the new capital.

Today, Seoul has grown into a vibrant, thriving city, the political, cultural and businness heart of the country. A future-oriented cosmopolis, Seoul hopes to become the leading city of the Asia-Pacific region in the 21st century, and is presently re-examining its role in preparation for the years ahead.

In this auspicious year as Seoul celebrates its 600th centennial, the Seoul Metropolitan Government designated October 28 as "Seoul Citizens' Day". Furthermore, it has launched and is carring forward the "Seoul 600" project. This project, with the theme "Seoul, toward a new birth", aims at cultivation of a sound civic sprit, improving Seoul's environment and promoting our culture. Subthemes for the project are "Seoul Heritage Search", "Place-Making of Seoul", "Culture Fair Festival", and "Internationalizing Visioning".