Seoul Outline

seoul outline korea south korea seoul cheonggyecheon seoullo 7017 outline intro BEFORE -agriculture -japanʼs influence -wwii + korean war DURING -vietnam + westernization -rise of the chaebol - -olympics AFTER -cheonggyecheon -before -during -after -effects on ecology, culture and economy -transition -skygarden seoullo -before + during -now + future conclusion introduction the dawn of korea Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is known for its transformation from a struggling village to a booming metropolitan city. Because of its slow start, Korea entered a phase of rapid industrialization to catch up with the rest of the world. Now, in the midst of a modernized culture, Seoul is attempting to reintroduce the human and environmental connection that was disregarded in its swift development focused on progress and function. korea south korea seoul cheonggyecheon seoullo 7017 before agriculture During the Choson dynasty (1392 - 1910) Korea was built off of an agricultural tribute system based on commercialized peasant economy. Recovering from the repeated invasions, Korea experienced rapid population growth that caused extreme deforestation and lead to an increasingly unstable water supply of waterways and irrigation. Disputes over water control created a conversion from rice paddy lands to dry farms, where farmers turned to handicraft and commerce. At the beginning of the 19th century, due to the crumbling government, living standards were deteriorating and peasant rebellions occurred frequently. before japan’s inf luence In 1910, Japan annexed Korea and sought to rebuild the economy. Japan built up their infrastructure, established a better health system, and revamped the educational programs of Korea. The economy was shifted from agriculture to manufacturing, and industrial bases were built to create munitions for war. Japan ruled with a harsh assimilation policy, the advancement of economy and infrastructure came with the repression and destruction of the Korean culture. before ww II & korean war At the end of WWII, the United States and the Soviet Union, unsure of how to govern Korea, partitioned the country at the 38th parallel. Differences in governing style of the two countries, eventually led to the outbreak of the Korean War (1950 -1953) that killed 1 ½ million people and destroyed ¼ of capital stock. Korea largely blames Japan for causing this division that haunts the country to this day. korea south korea seoul cheonggyecheon seoullo 7017 during westernization Under the US influence, South Korea went through a period of westernization and moderate industrialization. During the Vietnam War (1955- 1975) the industrialized country provided munitions. By developing ‘Heavy Chemical Industries’ to build munitions, President Park Chung Hee reduced reliance on US support in defending against North Korean threats. during rise of the conglomerates To stimulate country exports, the government “sponsored” family-owned firms, companies such as Samsung and Hyundai, which later grew to become large companies called chaebol or “wealth clans”. These chaebol lead the growth and development of Korea’s current economy. Because of their large presence, they often create ‘community buildings’ for the people, but these usually entail specific privileges for their clientel. korea south korea seoul cheonggyecheon seoullo 7017 during economic migration During Park’s presidency, the progression of modernization forced poor residents of the slum and industries to relocate out into southern satellite cities, such as Gwangju, where they were promised support in resettlement. In an attempt to modernize Seoul, the breakdown of old neighborhoods were necessary for the industrialization of the creative class. during olympics Seoul’s hosting of the 1988 Summer Olympics marks a pinnacle achievement for South Korea and is the culmination of their efforts towards rapid industrialization. In 30 years, they rose up from a country reliant on external aid to self-sustaining nation capable of inviting many other countries into its borders. While a remarkable feat, it came at the cost of sacrificing design at the human scale. korea south korea seoul cheonggyecheon seoullo 7017 cheonggyecheon history of the river Originally the Cheonggyecheon river was a place for daily chores and celebration of traditions. It served a place for social gathering that brought together the community As urbanization of the city and industrial developments progressed, the stream was full of trash and waste. Due to overpopulation, the poor settled in the area resulting in the disease, pollution, and mistreatment of the Cheonggyecheon river. As a result, the river was covered with concrete in 1958 to prevent further degradation. In 1976, an elevated freeway was completed paving the way for automobile transportation. Citizens soon believed the highway symbolized the modernization of post-war Korea. cheonggyecheon the demolition In 2003, the large amounts of cars passing through the area daily, caused serious traffic and poor air quality. Urban ecosystems suffered degradation due to industrialisation and urbanisation, which lessened the number of green spaces available for public recreation. The developments taking place in the south side of Cheonggyecheon created an unequal balance of social and economic growth. Seoul’s Metropolitan Government then decided to restore the river. The intention behind their actions was to recover the flow of the river, reintroduce biodiversity back to the area, and develop a space for interaction with nature. cheonggyecheon the demolition the demolition Initially the project was resisted by the local shopkeepers and the community who wanted to preserve its historic properties. However, the city hall provided an alternative by opening up a flea market on the grounds of an old school for the displaced shopkeepers. The Seoul Folk Flea Market now plays a large role in preserving the traditional Korean marketplace as the unique Korean charm of its folk items draw visitors from all around. The people victimized by the authoritarian creative urban development became active participants in extending the creative and cultural economy. cheonggyecheon building the stream One of the contributing architects behind the Cheonggyecheon River Restoration was Mikyoung Kim, a woman with a diverse background in design and sculpture. Kim’s proposal was the winning project in an international competition to create a project that displayed a future reunification between North and South Korea. With individual stones from eight provinces of Korea used to frame water source points, her creation symbolized efforts to rekindle the relationship between the two countries. cheonggyecheon history, culture, and ecology Cheonggyecheon is not only about restoring the stream, but also about restoring the history, culture, and ecology of Seoul. Quality of life has improved for citizens as they now have access to green public spaces where they can interact, exercise, walk, participate in traditional festivals, and enjoy cultural events together. Ecologically, it reduced air and noise pollution by removing cars and forcing improvement of public transportation. This additionally led to an increase in local airflow, and a decrease in temperature. urban nature history cheonggyecheon culture and economy Although the river is expensive to maintain, it provides an essential space that cultivates community and preserves Korea’s history in the heart of Seoul. Festivals and cultural events are often held at the Western end in the Urban/Historical district attracting thousands of tourists per day. As a result, businesses have invested in locations along the river to capitalize on the flow of visitors and revenue opportunities, increasing employment density. The restoration of the Cheonggyecheon brought together tourist and residents alike. The northside and southside of the river, previously separated by the elevated highway, was now reconnected with one another. This stands as a symbol of hope that Korea as a nation would once again be united. 1910 1950 cheonggyecheon timeline 1970 2005 korea south korea seoul cheonggyecheon seoullo 7017 creative culture transformation of seoul In 2006, Mayor Oh Se Hoon stated that Seoul would be reborn as the ‘City of Creative Culture’ and thus started promoting his culturenomics strategy by advancing certain creative and cultural industries. In 2008, cultural industries were added to Korea’s development strategies with more emphasis on film, performance, and visual arts as well as promoting community entries, museums, galleries, festivals, heritage, and restoration of historical sites. sky garden seoullo 7017 MVRDV’s Skygarden, also known as Seoullo 7017, is a transformed garden park that utilizes an overpass near Seoul Station. The overpass originally provided a vehicular connection to Namdaemun market, and the various parks and stations in the West. Having been built for heavy vehicle traffic, the large scale of the Seoul Station Overpass was an opportunity to create a unique public space in Seoul. sky garden seoullo 7017 Today, it is a park that features a wide range of attractions such as species and sub-species of Korea’s indigenous plants as well as activities that engage the city on a cultural and commercial level with shops, galleries and cafes. Their integration of plants in its urban location is to promote greenery within public spaces in order to catalyst for a greener city. Alongside Mayor Oh Se Hoon’s vision of a creative and cultural city, Skygarden is also

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