Gongju

Quick Facts: Who was Gongju?

Subject:

Gongju

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A city in South Chungcheong Province, South Korea with deep historical roots.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Gongju (Korean: 공주; Korean pronunciation: [koŋ.dʑu]) is a city in South Chungcheong Province, South Korea. Gongju was formerly named Ungjin and was the capital of Baekje from AD 475 to 538. In this period, Baekje was under threat from Goguryeo. Goguryeo had overrun the previous capital of Hanseong (modern-day Seoul), which forced Baekje to find a new center of strength. In 538, King Seong moved the capital to Sabi (in modern-day Buyeo County).

Career & Major Achievements

However, Gongju remained an important center until the kingdom's fall in 660. On August 11, 2004, the South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan announced that the country's capital will be moved from Seoul to Gongju (approximately 120 km or 75 mi south of Seoul) and Yeongi commencing in 2007. A 72.91 km2 (18,020 acres) site was chosen for the project, which was scheduled to be completed by 2030. It was envisaged that government and administrative functions will move to the new capital, along with (possibly) the National Assembly and supreme court, although no sizable relocation was expected until the first phase of the project has been completed by 2012. The move was intended to reduce Seoul's overcrowding and economic dominance over the rest of South Korea; perhaps not coincidentally, it would have also moved the government and administration out of range of North Korean artillery fire.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The projected cost of the project ranged from $45bn to as much as $94bn. The plan has aroused controversy, with opposition parties calling for a referendum to see whether it is endorsed by the population. Some civic groups have also launched a constitutional appeal, and on October 21, 2004, the Constitutional Court ruled that the special law for the relocation of the capital is unconstitutional since the relocation is a serious national matter requiring national referendum or revision of the constitution, thus effectively ending the dispute. Opinion polls showed that a slight majority of South Koreans are opposed to the move, both before and after the ruling. However, late in 2004, the government announced yet another plan that will allow Seoul to be a capital in name only by retaining the Executive Branch, all Legislature Branch, and Judiciary Branch in Seoul, while moving all other branches of government to Gongju.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2004: 2004 Milestone — On August 11, 2004, the South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan announced that the country's capital will be moved from Seoul to Gongju (approximately 120 km or 75 mi south of Seoul) and Yeongi commencing in 2007.
2. 2012: 2012 Milestone — It was envisaged that government and administrative functions will move to the new capital, along with (possibly) the National Assembly and supreme court, although no sizable relocation was expected until the first phase of the project has been completed by 2012.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Gongju

True or False: “The initial plan to move the capital from Seoul to Gongju was immediately endorsed by all major political parties in South Korea.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Opposition parties called for a referendum, and the Constitutional Court later ruled that such a relocation required a national referendum or constitutional revision.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. A. K. Niazi — Historical peer (Died in 2004) (2004): Pakistani general who commanded Eastern Command during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
• Ahn Ji-ho (actor) — Historical peer (Born in 2004) (2004): South Korean actor known for starting his career in web series.
• Al Oerter — Historical peer (Died in 2007) (2007): Four-time Olympic champion in the discus throw, pioneering athletic consistency.
• Albert Ellis — Historical peer (Died in 2007) (2007): Pioneering figure in psychotherapy, founder of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
• Adam Yauch — Historical peer (Died in 2012) (2012): Founding member of Beastie Boys; influential rapper, filmmaker, and Tibetan activist.
• Adrienne Rich — Historical peer (Died in 2012) (2012): Influential American poet, essayist, and leading voice in feminist literary discourse.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gongju