**Title: Foundation and Recognition of Capital Cities: Historical Perspectives from Two Different Nations**

## Introduction

The founding and recognition of capital cities mark significant historical and political milestones in a nation's history. These events often reflect broader socio-political dynamics, strategic considerations, and cultural imperatives that define a nation. This document explores the historical contexts and details behind the official founding and recognition of two different capital cities: one established in 1790, and the other recognized in its modern form in 1394 during the Joseon Dynasty.

## Founding of Washington D.C., United States - 1790

### Historical Background
The late 18th century was a period of radical change and nation-building in what would become the United States of America. Following the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the subsequent victory in the Revolutionary War against Britain, the newly formed United States found itself in need of a permanent capital. The establishment of a capital was seen not only as a practical necessity for governing but also as a symbolic act that would represent the democratic ideals of the new nation.

### Establishment of the Capital
The Residence Act of 1790 was a United States federal law that approved the creation of a national capital on the Potomac River near Georgetown, Maryland. President George Washington was given the authority to select the specific site along the river, thereby playing a crucial role in the establishment of the new capital. The chosen site was strategically located between the Northern and Southern states, which was intended to appease and balance regional interests.

### Development and Urban Planning
The development of Washington D.C. was influenced by European urban design principles of the time. The city was meticulously planned by Pierre Charles L'Enfant, a French-born American architect. L'Enfant's design featured broad streets and monumental buildings set around key vistas and public squares, intending to reflect the aspirations and grandeur of the nation. The capital officially was named after George Washington, the nation's first president.

## Recognition of Seoul, South Korea - Joseon Dynasty, 1394

### Historical Background
During the late 14th century, the Korean Peninsula saw the end of the Goryeo Dynasty and the rise of the Joseon Dynasty, which would become one of the most definitive periods in Korean history. In 1392, General Yi Seong-gye declared himself King Taejo, founding the Joseon Dynasty.

### Selection of the Capital
King Taejo recognized the strategic and symbolic importance of a centrally located capital and in 1394 decided to move the capital from Kaesong to Hanyang (modern-day Seoul). The location was strategically chosen for its defensive capabilities, surrounded on four sides by mountains, and its central position to enhance control over the peninsula.

### Urban Development and Cultural Significance
The new capital was laid out according to the principles of geomancy, reflecting the integration of natural landscapes with urban planning. The city was fortified with massive walls to defend against invasions, and a palace, Gyeongbokgung, was constructed, which served as the royal residence and the administrative center. Seoul not only became the political but also the cultural heart of Korea, promoting Confucianism as the state ideology and influencing the development of Korean arts, sciences, and literature for centuries.

## Conclusion

The establishment of Washington, D.C., and the recognition of Seoul as capitals were pivotal in the nation-building processes of the United States and Korea, respectively. Each capital’s founding reflects a mixture of strategic reasoning, cultural imperatives, and historical circumstances specific to the time. These cities have grown to represent not just the administrative functions of governance but also the historical, cultural, and political ethos of their nations, demonstrating how capitals are not only cities but symbols of national identity and pride.