Location, Size and Political Economy of Cultures

Abstract

If everything goes according to plan, South Korea will build a new capital, with work beginning in 2007. The South Korean government has announced that, by 2014, it will move its seat of government out of Seoul to the rural area between Yeongi and Kongju, about 160 kilometres to the south, at a cost of US$52 billion. Why has South Korea decided to move its capital away from Seoul? Before answering this question, let us have a brief review of the history of the Korean peninsula.

If you understand others you are smart.

If you understand yourself you are illuminated.

If you overcome others you are powerful.

If you overcome yourself you have strength.

(Laozi, c 500 bc)