tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12946845.post116958418828267203..comments2024-02-23T23:53:54.842+09:00Comments on Gusts Of Popular Feeling: Dinner in Jongno, Redevelopment in Hongdaematthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10296009437690229938noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12946845.post-59496254639664527222007-01-29T11:50:00.000+09:002007-01-29T11:50:00.000+09:00Oh, forgot to mention, I lived in Donggyo-dong whe...Oh, forgot to mention, I lived in Donggyo-dong when the train tracks construction started. The train had a vaguely romantic feel to it, especially in the evenings. And it was neat seeing military equipment go down the tracks from time to time. <br /><br />But most of that train line goes through residential neighborhoods. Having a safe, open area where people can walk/play/whatever is a good idea, as far as I'm concerned.Mark Russellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04471178281396296314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12946845.post-26815320987994148862007-01-29T11:45:00.000+09:002007-01-29T11:45:00.000+09:00(Apologies in advance for the long post).
I actu...(Apologies in advance for the long post). <br /><br />I actually disagree with you on this... somewhat. Cities grow, cities change, and what is happening in Hongdae is natural, inevitable ... and even healthy. <br /><br />The great cycle is not unique to Hongdae and pretty much unavoidable, as far as I can tell. Poor neighborhood -> artists move in -> cool shops move in -> galleries move in -> investors move in -> rich people move in -> artists move out.<br /><br />Attempts to control these changes often fall prey to the law of unintended consequences. For example, that strip of shops (from the 365 exhibit) evolved in part *because* it was slated for demolition. Plans to get rid of those buildings have been in the works for years... which is one reason the shops there are affordable. I believe they have no (or almost no) downpayment fees, and rents are pretty low, allowing more artsy types to move in. If the government said reversed its position, rents would go way up and those nice bars and clothing shops would not be able to afford the location. <br /><br />(Now that I write this, I find myself wondering how Tokyo's Golden-gai district in Shinjuku managed to save itself from redevelopment. I heard that it has been slated for renewal for 60 years now. I'm guessing benign neglect, and I think the shopkeepers actually own their shops there. But I do not know for sure). <br /><br />Will people regret losing those old buildings? Undoubtedly some will. Just like older people in that neighborhood regret losing the rice fields that were there up until the 1950s (60s?). I'm not recommending paving paradise to put up parking lots, but until Koreans show what is important to them by buying those sites and refusing to sell to developers, I do not see what alternative there is. <br /><br />Many bars and galleries have been moving out of the Hongdae core for some time. Trying to stop that is like rolling a bolder uphill. If you want to improve Korea's arts and music scene, I think it would be far more fruitful to get rid of all the mindless government regulations that actively prevent diverse and interesting stuff gaining much traction. <br /><br />On one hand, I wish there were more enlightened people in government and zoning boards, planning Hongdae's growth with a more subtle and interesting eye on the future. On the other hand, I never like government mucking about in the arts. Organizing artists is like herding cats. <br /><br />Hrm. My thoughts are a little scattered, especially toward the end. Sorry about that.Mark Russellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04471178281396296314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12946845.post-1169770878328333522007-01-26T09:21:00.000+09:002007-01-26T09:21:00.000+09:00Interesting post. I've been around that area and I...Interesting post. I've been around that area and I am following the construction work on the railway. <BR/>They do seem to be keeping to the narrow band of land the original railway was on so far, but as you say they may expand later.<BR/><BR/>It is constant source of amazement to me that such rundown and tatty areas in Seoul can be so close to the bright new and shiny areas. Koreans do seem to like the new and clean look so I don't hold much hope for some of those shops.Jon Allenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15589729363368420598noreply@blogger.com