Euljiro, Seoul: Dynamic Neighbourhood of Change

During a recent visit to Seoul we were able to visit Euljiro, a significant and evolving neighborhood, which serves as a vivid illustration of the intersection between history and modernity, community and gentrification. Originally established during the Joseon Dynasty as a central area for governmental offices, Euljiro has transformed through various historical epochs—each leaving its own layer of influence on the district. During the Japanese occupation, the region was heavily industrialized, which continued into the post-liberation era, shaping Euljiro as a vital industrial hub.

The social and economic dynamics of Euljiro are reflective of a district caught between its historical significance and the pressures of modern development. Its economy has been traditionally anchored by small-scale industries, such as printing and metalwork, which have defined its character for decades. However, the area is also undergoing rapid changes due to gentrification. The rising appeal of ‘Hipjiro’ to younger generations and entrepreneurs has led to an influx of new businesses, including trendy cafes, bars, and cultural venues, juxtaposed against the traditional workshops and hardware stores.

These transformations have not been without struggle. The traditional businesses and older residents face the risk of displacement as property values soar and the area’s character shifts. Gentrification has sparked a complex debate involving community preservation, economic development, and cultural heritage. Efforts to designate parts of Euljiro as heritage sites or special industrial zones attempt to balance these forces, aiming to maintain the unique identity of the area while accommodating growth and modernization.

The future of Euljiro is a topic of vibrant discussion. There are initiatives to blend the old with the new by integrating historical preservation with modern urban planning. This involves supporting the older industries while also promoting Euljiro as a cultural and artistic hub. The challenge lies in ensuring that development is inclusive and respects the district’s rich history.

Conceptually, Euljiro embodies the ongoing global conversation about urban renewal and gentrification. It highlights critical questions about how cities evolve and who benefits from these changes. The district’s ongoing transformation is a case study in managing growth in a way that honors its past, supports its present residents, and welcomes new opportunities. This makes Euljiro not just a physical space, but a living dialogue about the future of urban life and community cohesion.

Prof. Jung In Kim and students visit GIS, Hosei University 29-30 May 2019

As both cities, Tokyo and Seoul, face similar challenges as an aging society, shrinking birthrate, hidden poverty and changing social values, it is to compare the specific reasons, consequences and solutions. Between 29-30 May 2019, Prof. Jung In Kim and 15 architecture students from Soongsil University visited the Faculty of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies, Hosei University to take part in a workshop about political space, which was very successful and a good chance to collaborate together. In a second session, the architecture students presented and discussed their design projects for Seoul 2035 with GIS Students, exchanging new ideas and comparing urban life in both cities.

To get a real impression of ongoing changes in Tokyo, the whole team also conducted fieldwork in Kagurazaka to study ongoing trends as gentrification, commercialization and social segregation. We look forward to collaborate and work together on common problems and solutions.

For more information, please check the GIS website http://gis.hosei.ac.jp/cms/?p=1457

Visit to Soongsil University, Korea 21-23 March 2019

Visiting Seoul Fishmarket

Recently, Dr. Heide Imai was invited to Soongsil University, Seoul by Prof. Jung In Kim (Department of Architecture) to give a lecture about the Olympic Games taking in 2020 in Tokyo, talking about rapid urban change, social stratification and other issues, especially related to the destruction of old structures like the Tsukiji Fish Market which was replaced with a new generic structure, located in Toyosu. Visiting among many other rapidly changing places as Gangnam, Euljiro and Hongdae, the Noryangjin Fish Market in Seoul, the researcher was able to compare both places which underwent almost identical transformation processes.

As both cities, Tokyo and Seoul, face similar challenges as an aging society, shrinking birthrate, hidden poverty and changing social values, it is important to focus on the human perspective and how people experience those cities to create spaces which are open for all. Accordingly, Dr. Imai
discussed with the students new ideas and concepts for public spaces, housing and equal work spaces which they will integrate in their final design and thesis projects. In May 2019 Prof. Jung In Kim and students from Soongsil University will visit Hosei University to discuss their projects with GIS Students, planning to exchange new ideas and compare urban life in both cities.

Working with Prof. Jung In Kim's tudents at different design projects
Working with Prof. Jung In Kim’s tudents at different design projects