A new study highlights the often-overlooked emotional toll of gentrification on residents in Seoul, revealing feelings of powerlessness and alienation even without physical displacement. Researchers argue for more equitable urban policies.
A recent study sheds light on the nuanced impacts of gentrification in East Asia, particularly in Seoul, revealing that residents often feel emotionally displaced and alienated in their own neighborhoods. This groundbreaking research, conducted by Kon Kim of Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and Blaž Križnik of the University of Ljubljana, compares state-led urban regeneration with property-led redevelopment and uncovers significant emotional tolls on residents.
In their paper published in The Developing Economies, the researchers examine two distinct case studies: the Sangwangsimni area, which underwent property-led redevelopment, and the Changsin-Sungin area, which experienced state-led regeneration.
Their findings suggest that even when residents aren’t physically displaced, the emotional impact of gentrification can be profound.
Redefining Displacement
“In the case of Sangwangsimni, we found that redevelopment led to residential gentrification, directly displacing residents and replacing the industrial clusters with large-scale high-rise residential construction,” Kim said in a news release.
Conversely, state-led efforts in Changsin-Sungin allowed residents to stay, yet they still reported feeling a deep sense of alienation.
“[E]ven though residents remain in place, there’s a rise of indirect displacement causing them to have feelings of powerlessness and emotional distress because their surroundings have changed significantly,” Kim added.
First-Hand Accounts
One resident from Changsin-Sungin encapsulated this emotional displacement by describing how they feel like an exhibit for tourists who observe and photograph their sewing factory. Despite this, the resident cannot imagine relocating from the area that has been home and workplace for so long.
Another interviewee expressed mixed feelings, appreciating the new “classy vibe” but worrying about the over-expansion of commercial interests, stating:
“It made me feel the kind of classy vibe of this place that never existed before. This is good for me because the new vibe sometimes lets me refresh my mind instantly. However, I heard that new shop owners are trying to buy other buildings and expand similar businesses. I love a few classy shops for refreshment, but do not want them overspreading our neighborhood.”
Policy Implications
The study emphasizes the importance of recognizing not just physical but also emotional and symbolic displacement in urban renewal projects.
“The motivation behind our study stems from the long-standing issue of displacement in South Korea’s urban development. We aimed to address the gap in understanding the emerging forms of displacement that have not been widely discussed, even as direct eviction and displacement have declined over the past decade,” added Kim.
This timely research calls for a reassessment of urban policies to ensure more inclusive developments that consider the well-being of original residents. Kim and Križnik aim to explore grassroots resistance against state-facilitated gentrification, seeking to promote more inclusive urban environments in East Asia.