Seoul is named Seoul because it's a native Korean word that traditionally means "capital city."
Origins of the Name Seoul
The name "Seoul" is unique in that it's not derived from Sino-Korean characters (Hanja). Instead, it's a purely Korean word with a specific meaning:
- Meaning: Simply put, "Seoul" (서울) means "capital city" in Korean.
- Evolution: The word is believed to have evolved from "Seorabeol" (서라벌), an ancient name for Gyeongju, the capital of the Silla kingdom.
- Direct Translation: Unlike many place names in Korea that have Hanja (Chinese character) equivalents and meanings, "Seoul" doesn't have a direct Hanja translation because it's a native Korean term.
Summary
In essence, Seoul's name is descriptive, directly indicating its function as the capital city of Korea. Its linguistic roots trace back to an earlier kingdom's capital, solidifying its historical connection to Korean governance.
