Seoul Station was opened in 1900 as Namdaemun Station as part of the Gyeongin Railway Line. The railway line was originally to be built by American financier James R. Morse in 1897, but the rights were sold to the Japanese in 1899 following financial difficulties. During the Japanese colonial period (1392-1910), its name was change to Gyeongseong Station in 1923, and a new station building was built (today's Former Seoul Station). It was renamed Seoul Station in 1947. There was also a Seodaemun Station outside Donuimun Gate near Jeong-dong, but it was demolished around 1919.
