CASE STUDY - Seoul, South Korea

Question 1

What is the purpose of the Seoul, South Korea case study?

Answer 1

To explore how exogenous investment affects continuity and change in South Korea.

Question 2

What are exogenous factors which shape a place?

Answer 2

Factors which originate externally; the way in which a place is impacted by, and has relationships to other places. For example, government policy, migration and trade links.

Question 3

What is the purpose of the music video, Gangnam Style?

Answer 3

The song described the affluent women of Gangnam in order to emphasise the gap between the rich and poor in Seoul.

Question 4

What is a key fact about Seoul in South Korea?

Answer 4

4th richest city in the world

Question 5

How has Seoul changed due to exogenous investment?

Answer 5

• Seoul has been characterised by placelessness as the place has become homogenised by global firms, like Mcdonalds.

Question 6

How has continuity been maintained in Seoul due to exogenous investment?

Answer 6

• More skyscrapers and high rise apartments have been constructed and this infrastructure is where regular business deals take place and affluent people inhabit for work. Therefore, investment has been primarily focused on benefitting rich people in Seoul as the skyscrapers shadow over the Guryong Village.
• It has enabled the cultural and historical preservation of the Gheong Gye Cheon River in downtown Seoul.