Over the past fifty years, Seoul has seen significant transformations in politics, business, and culture. These changes have simultaneously impacted the urban fabric of Seoul to a great extent....Show moreOver the past fifty years, Seoul has seen significant transformations in politics, business, and culture. These changes have simultaneously impacted the urban fabric of Seoul to a great extent. Within contemporary government redevelopment policies, there is a trend that focuses on composing a modern and global image of Korea. Despite the positive impacts of these policies, such as an increase in wealth and living conditions of the average Korean, the redevelopment projects have also negatively affected the livelihoods of Seoul’s locals. This thesis explores this phenomenon through the lens of place memory, urbicide, and heterotopia and answers the question ‘How has the redevelopment of Seoul impacted the urban fabric of Euljiro-dong and its locals?’ This is done through a historical overview of redevelopment in Seoul spanning from the Chosŏn period until the twenty-first century. In addition, the contemporary impact of redevelopment is explored through a case study and a survey that focused on business owners in Seoul’s Euljiro-dong. In conclusion, this thesis demonstrates that the planning of Seoul is characterised by a distinct form of urban destruction. Although South Korea has grown immensely based on democracy, there is still room for improvement in local participation and bottom-up initiatives.Show less
