Understanding Keijō-fu: The Historical Administrative District of Seoul
Before it became the modern global metropolis known as Seoul, the area was governed under a different administrative structure. Known as Keijō-fu (京城府) in Japanese or Gyeongseong-bu (경성부) in Korean, this district served as the colonial capital of Korea during the period of Japanese rule. Understanding the history of Keijō-fu provides essential context for the evolution of South Korea's current capital city.
The Evolution of a Capital City
When the Empire of Japan annexed the Korean Empire, it designated the city as the colonial capital. The name Keijō (or Gyeongseong) is derived from Hanja (Chinese characters used in Korean writing), literally translating to "capital city."
During this era, the administrative status of the city differed significantly from its modern form. Rather than being an independent city or prefecture as it is today, Gyeongseong was part of Gyeonggi Province. The administrative structure of Keijō-fu was organized into two primary wards: Keijō itself and Ryusan-ku (Yongsan-gu).
Administrative Changes and Expansion
The borders of the district underwent several significant shifts throughout the early 20th century:
- 1914: The administrative size of the prefecture was reduced when several outer districts were annexed to the neighboring Goyang County (modern-day Goyang City).
- 1936: The district underwent a major expansion. It annexed Yeongdeungpo from Siehung County (modern-day Siheung City) and reintegrated several former Gyeongseong districts, such as Sungin and Yeonghee, which had previously been part of Goyang County.
A central landmark of this era was the Government-General Building, which served as the seat of the colonial government. This structure remained a prominent feature of the landscape until it was demolished in 1995.
Urban Centers: Honmachi
During the period of Keijō-fu, the central district of the city was known as Honmachi. In contemporary Seoul, this area corresponds to the district of Chungmu-ro.
Demographic Growth
The population of the district saw rapid growth during the first four decades of the 20th century, reflecting the intense urbanization occurring under colonial administration. The following table outlines the population milestones recorded during this period.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1910 | 197,000 |
| 1920 | 251,000 |
| 1930 | 677,000 |
| 1940 | 1,142,000 |
Key Facts
- Historical Name: Keijō (Japanese) or Gyeongseong (Korean).
- Modern Equivalent: Seoul, South Korea.
- Administrative Status: A district (bu) within Gyeonggi Province during the colonial era.
- Peak Recorded Population: 1,142,000 in 1940.
- Central District: Honmachi (now Chungmu-ro).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the name "Keijō" no longer used in Japan?
While "Keijō" remained in use in Japan for about a decade after the end of World War II, the name "Seoul" (ソウル - Souru) gained widespread use from the 1960s onwards at the request of the South Korean government. Today, "Keijō" is used almost exclusively for historical or academic purposes.
What does the name Gyeongseong mean?
The name Gyeongseong (or Keijō) is derived from Hanja characters that literally mean "capital city."
Was Keijō-fu an independent city?
No. Unlike the modern administrative status of Seoul, Gyeongseong was part of Gyeonggi Province during the period of Japanese rule.
What happened to the Government-General Building?
The building, which served as the seat of the colonial government in Korea, was torn down in 1995.
How much did the population grow between 1910 and 1940?
The population grew from 197,000 in 1910 to 1,142,000 by 1940.