Seoul - Acknowledgments

The Center for International Affairs (CEFIA) at the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) undertakes the task of promoting a better understanding of Korean history and culture and Korea’s contemporary development among the young people around the world.

This book is the fourth book in the Understanding of Korea Series (UKS) covering Korea’s world-class cultural heritage. Our UKS endeavors to publish books on Korea that provide in-depth understandings of Korean culture and society.

This book traces the developmental stages of Seoul from its birth as the capital of the Republic of Korea to today’s mega city along with its history and culture. After a close reading of a vast amount of literature on Seoul, the book presents objective information on Seoul and portrays various aspects and images of Seoul including history, culture, development, renewal and the major features of current Seoul that stand out from other mega cities in the world. In other words, it is a well-balanced representation of a city called Seoul.

Many people have contributed to the publication of this book. I am grateful to all of them. I would like to thank the author, Dr. Moonho-Park. My thanks also go to Mr. Na Young Wan of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Yonhap News, Itaewon-Hannam Global Village Center, Seoul Design Foundation, The National Library of Korea, National Palace Museum of Korea, Seoul Museum of History, Kansong Art and Culture Foundation, Mr. Seo Jae-sik and Mr. Hong Incheon for generously permitting the use of their photos and illustration. Lastly, I give thanks to Dr. Christian J. Park for translating and Dr. Shine Choi for editing the manuscript.

I sincerely hope that this book will contribute to the better global understanding of Korean culture by inspiring the international community’s interest in Korea.

February 2015

KIM Hyeon, Ph.D.

Director of the Center for International Affairs