Seoul, the capital of South Korea, sits on the Han River (Korea) in the country's northwest situated about 30 miles (~50 km) south of the de-militarized zone (DMZ). Seoul, an ancient city, served as the historic capital of the Baekje Dynasty (18 B.C.E. – 660 C.E.) and Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The city became the capital of South Korea in 1394, two years after the establishment of the Joseon Dynasty.