Traditional Korean homes have become a victim of recent waves of gentrification in Ikseon-dong and Bukchon in the South Korean capital, Seoul. But as these old residential neighborhoods become a haven for hipsters, the unique cultural footprint of an important aspect of Seoul’s history is being erased.
On this episode of “The Korea File,” Ji-hoon Suk, a University of Michigan PhD student in Asian history and a keen observer of cultural heritage in the metropolis, joins host Andre Goulet to explore the rich historic legacy of some prominent hanok affected by development.
Plus: critiquing the city government’s too-little-too-late policy on managing gentrification, debunking so-called “heritage garden” Seongnagwon, investigating the architectural secrets of Seoul’s long-lost Cheongnyangni 588 red-light district and more.
This episode was produced in collaboration with the Royal Asiatic Society- Korea Branch (RASKB). Click here for a full list of episodes.
The views expressed in this post are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Fair Observer’s editorial policy.











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