Korean Dictionary
How to say "Hanyang (Old Seoul)" in Korean
“Hanyang (Old Seoul)” in Korean is 한양 (pronounced "hanyang").
한양
hanyang
Usage & Context
Hanyang was the capital of the Joseon Dynasty from 1395 until 1910, now modern-day Seoul. It was strategically located surrounded by mountains and the Han River. Many historical sites and palaces in Seoul date back to the Hanyang period.
Example Sentence
한양은 조선의 수도였어요.
Hanyang was the capital of Joseon.
How to use 한양 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Hanyang (Old Seoul)” is 한양, romanized as hanyang.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 한양.
Pronunciation Guide
"Han" sounds like 'hahn' in 'John.' "Yang" sounds like 'yahng,' similar to 'young' but with an 'ah' sound. The syllables are pronounced distinctly with no strong stress.
More Example Sentences
A tour guide explaining the city's location.
한양은 풍수지리적으로 명당으로 꼽혔어요.
Hanyang was considered a propitious site geomantically.
Reflecting on historical changes.
조선 시대 한양의 모습은 지금과 많이 달랐겠죠.
Hanyang in the Joseon Dynasty must have looked very different from now.
Recommending a historical walking tour.
한양 도성길을 따라 걸으면 옛 한양의 정취를 느낄 수 있어요.
If you walk along the Hanyang City Wall Trail, you can feel the atmosphere of old Hanyang.
Cultural Context
Hanyang is more than just the old name for Seoul; it evokes a specific historical period and cultural identity. When Koreans refer to Hanyang, they're often thinking of the Joseon Dynasty's capital, with its palaces, city walls, and traditional way of life, distinct from the modern, bustling Seoul. It's a term frequently used in historical dramas (sageuk) to set the scene, emphasizing the deep roots of the city.
Editorial note
We review entries like 한양 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
한양 도성
Hanyang City Wall
옛 한양
Old Hanyang
한양으로 가다
To go to Hanyang (historically)
Related Expressions
서울
Seoul
Seoul (modern name)
조선
Joseon
Joseon Dynasty
수도
sudo
Capital city
도성
doseong
City wall (referring to Hanyang's walls)
More Korean History Words
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