The Han River Development: Planning the Riverfront as Seoul’s Natural Landmark

This paper analyzes the history of development riverfront Han River, river that runs east-to-west in Seoul. In many scholarly works, a commercial leisure district on one hand, and local uses such as low-cost housing other, have formed two opposing waterfront spatial imaginaries. However, it is questionable whether these visions are applicable to metropolitan developments. The historical absence an industrial port focus traffic flow River contributed linear area. After analyzing archival data ethnographical interviews, this argues idiosyncrasy should not be regarded either underutilization or underdevelopment. Rather, considered reflecting unique urban conditions Seoul, including legacy Cold War, wide breadth river, relatively late expansion city south river. By situating context increasing criticism against copy-and-paste developments elsewhere, consideration “place” needs include dimension past practices tendency continue present even after new established.