Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Privateer]

Most of the area between Itaewon main street and the river is scheduled for massive redevelopment, and if you click on the links you'll see the Korean government's inspirational vision for the future, namely, apartments and yet more apartments.

I think the top picture on the first link is what's planned for Haebangcheon. And they're also planning a lot of cutesy European theme streets around Noksapyeong station.

If all goes to plan, this is what 'Hannam Newtown' will look like come 2017:

http://news.donga.com/3/all/20091203/24528729/1

http://www.edaily.co.kr/news/NewsRead.edy?SCD=DF15&newsid=01512086589920816&DCD=A00404&OutLnkChk=Y

[jvalmer]

Fancy

[reactionary]

pic 2 isn't that bad. i mean, what itaewon represents will just move elsewhere. likely contender: hongdae

pic 1 is what really disturbs me. why are they STILL building those horrible prison blocks? i mean, it isn't the 80s anymore, yakov! the cold war's over!

[kiknkorea]

It would be a major improvement, though that's not saying a lot!

[CKAB]

[definitely maybe]

The area may not be ideal, especially for a lot of the shut-ins here on Dave's, but Itaewon offers a unique escape from the monotony of Seoul. Say what you will about the vices and seedy establishments there, the numbers of which continue shrink with every passing year, but I will really miss it when everything surrounding Itaewon becomes cookie cutter Korea.

And while we're at it, what's the new spot you're all going to complain about when Itaewon fades away?

[Weigookin74]

Looks to me like this new town or development area will stop before it reaches the main street of itaewon. I assume Itaewon station is on the main street. So, that area will be safe for now. But isn't the US military suppose to relocate anyways? Not sure when, though.

[creeper1]

[Privateer]

[whome33]

ya..that isnt exactly itaewon, its bogam-dong, i think. looks like it would take while to get from itaewon to sinsa on that 421 bus though. that whole area is just old small buildings now, may as well make it sparkling.

[Yangachi]

Although the architecture isn't exactly groundbreaking, it is certainly an improvement on the area it will replace. At least the seem to be incoporating some greenery into the new development.

One thing you notice about the old rundown areas like Hannam and Ahyeon is the almost complete absence of trees.

[AsiaESLbound]

Itaewon is that close to the river? Looks so tropical and clean in the pictures.

[dalem]

wow. the construction will be a pain, but may be worth it in the end. I don't fully understand where those pictures are refering to,,, isn't that too close to the river to be itaewon?

I see that it's talking about Noksapyeong, Itaewon, and Hannamdongm, onder if this will mean anything for the Haebangcheon area. That's pretty close to the base, which will be closing eventually.

[eamo]

Itaewon is just fine the way it is. You'd miss it if it was demolished.

This is only developers doing what they always do in Korea. Developing for the sake of making a quick buck without any concern to neighborhood identity or current resident needs.

[goesslry]

sounds to me like they want to get rid of a "foreigner" area, and the cliche it brings, and rather paint something up to look like a foreigner area, when in fact it isn't.

What is going to happen to all the foreigners when this is built. Most will move out, as the cost of living/rent is going to skyrocket, since all the koreans owning the old buildings in the area will be forced to sell them to the government for a loss.

Bottom line, rent skyrockets = foreigners, get out.