The Value of Heritage

Received a nice email from David Kilburn, who lives in Seoul and debates the development of the old parts of the Korean capital, with hanok houses.

In a letter to Seoul Development Institute he notes that their report about the way Seoul is dealing with its historical district is not entirely correct: "...the original plan is excellent and its goals are achievable, worthwhile, and affordable. How tragic that the implementation has been so marred by incompetence, negligence, and corruption." David also sent a link to a nice blog called London Korean Links with impressions from this lovely part of Seoul.

Read David's essay The Value of Heritage: The Problem in South Korea

...South Korea's track record in preserving its own heritage has achieved only mixed results as large amounts of heritage are destroyed every year. For example, although the Changdeokgung Palace has been lovingly restored, the neighbouring Bukchon area is being relentlessly developed as buildings from the last century are demolished even though the area is described as a historic district with preservation status. Within Gahoe-dong, about half the original hanoks have been totally demolished since 2001 and the destruction continues. Regrettably, public money earmarked for preservation and protection has been used to fund totally new buildings where not one single beam or stone from the original remains. The majority of the new buildings are based on reinforced concrete and steel more than the natural materials that give hanoks their special character.

A recent earthquake in Korea also made people increasingly worried that Korean building standards are not prepared for a major earthquake. Chosun Ilbo notes that only 2% of buildings, subways and other infrastructure are built to withstand earthquakes. Seoul city data shows only half of the city’s bridges can withstand an earthquake. There is also controversy over the fact that atomic power plants have been built on fault lines.

(Photo: London Korea Links)