Study reveals complex impact of state-led urban transformation on South Korean housing communities

(Left) Aerial view of Sangwangsimni. (Right) Chanshin Seungin. Credits: (Left) Križnik/Fakulteta za družbene vede; (Right) Kim et al. doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2021.105433
In East Asia, a quiet change is occurring: gentrification. Urban neighborhoods are undergoing a major transformation, with once-affordable areas now becoming hot spots for upscale living.
The process, aimed at making neighborhoods more attractive to wealthy residents, is forcing longtime residents to abandon their homes and homes as places they know and love become more expensive or unfamiliar. You could be kicked out of your neighborhood.
Although direct forced displacement has declined recently, new forms of forced displacement are emerging.
In a study published in The Developing Economies, Dr Kong Kim from Xi’an Jiaotong Liverpool University (XJTLU) in China and Dr Blaž Krijnik from the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia reveal the complex effects of gentrification in Seoul. did. A comparative analysis of two different urban regeneration models: state-led urban regeneration and private sector-led real estate-led redevelopment.
The findings show that while state-led urban regeneration appears to be more inclusive, it also leads to emotional displacement of residents who experience increased alienation from their communities, even if they remain in the same area. This suggests that there may be a connection.


Recent commercial developments in Changshin and Tongjin. Credit: Dr. Kong Kim
Residents who were directly evacuated
This study examines the real estate-led redevelopment of Shangwang Shiri and the state-led revitalization of Changshin and Chongren, providing new insights into neighborhood transformation and resident relocation.
Dr. Kim said, “In the case of Sangwang Shiri, we found that redevelopment led to the gentrification of housing, directly displacing residents, and replacing industrial clusters with large-scale high-rise residential construction.
“This is in sharp contrast to Changsin Sungin, where state-led regeneration left residents behind and preserved and partially revitalized the industrial area.
“However, even though residents remain in place, indirect displacement is increasing due to significant changes in their environment, leaving them feeling helpless and mentally distressed.”
A resident of Chansin Sunyin interviewed for the study said that when tourists watch and take pictures of people working in garment factories, they feel like they are being treated like animals in a zoo. Ta. But she couldn’t imagine leaving the area, as she had worked and lived here for many years.
Another interviewee said of rebirth: “I could feel a classy atmosphere in this place that didn’t exist before. This is good for me because sometimes a new atmosphere instantly refreshes the mind.”
“However, I heard that the new store owner is looking to purchase another building and expand a similar business. I love some upscale stores for quick bites, but I don’t want them to spread too far into our neighborhood. Please do so.”
Aiming for fairer urban policy
Dr. Kim says this empirical evidence highlights indirect or symbolic forced migration and helps redefine the scope of gentrification in South Korea and broader East Asia.
“The motivation for our research stems from the long-standing problem of evictions in urban development in South Korea. It aimed to address a gap in understanding of new forms of eviction that hadn’t existed in the past 10 years,” he explains.
“The results of this study are important not only to the academic field, but also to the broader public, especially those affected by gentrification. “We are calling for more equitable urban development policies,” Dr. Kim added.
Dr. Kim and Dr. Kriznik plan to expand their research to include the relationship between the state and civil society and grassroots resistance to state-promoted gentrification. Their future research will explore the role of the state in facilitating displacement and the importance of grassroots movements promoting more inclusive cities across East Asia.
Details: Blaž Križnik et al., Changing scope of gentrification in Seoul?Neighborhood transformation and displacement in Sangwangsimni and Changshin Sungin industrial clusters, developing economies (2024) DOI: 10.1111/deve.12420
Provided by Xi’an Jiaotong/University of Liverpool
Citation: Study reveals complex impact of state-led urban changes on South Korea’s housing communities (November 1, 2024) https://phys.org/news/2024-11-reveals-complex-impact Retrieved November 1, 2024 from -state-urban.html
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