A Culture of Property: Redevelopment, Displacement, and Participatory Planning in Seoul, South Korea
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This dissertation examines the lived experiences, as well as the sociopolitical and ideological mechanisms underlying private redevelopment in Seoul, South Korea, with a focus on uncovering a culture of property that sustains speculative urbanization. Despite Redevelopment’s destructive impacts – displacing low-income residents and eroding affordable housing – residents in Seoul often display indifference toward displacement and exclusion. Through a quasi-longitudinal study involving 33 semi-structured interviews in two Redevelopment Areas at different stages, complemented by policy and legislative analyses, this research reveals how deeply ingrained property rights ideology shapes public perceptions and acceptance of Redevelopment. Property ownership emerges as the primary determinant for claiming rights to the city in Seoul, marginalizing renters and reinforcing social inequality. The dissertation investigates overlooked impacts of private Redevelopment, shifting focus beyond displacement to examine prolonged uncertainty, progressive material degradation, and deteriorating living conditions experienced by residents throughout the process. These issues unfold long before eviction, revealing how Redevelopment affects everyday life and exacerbates social vulnerabilities. Investigations also highlight the privatization and commercialization of urban commons and the challenges Korea face in pursuing and imagining an alternative urban future. This study contributes to broader discussions on speculative urbanism and the challenges of achieving equitable urban futures in property-centered contexts. Building on these findings, the dissertation offers policy suggestions within both the existing Redevelopment framework and beyond for more fundamental reforms. Within the current system, it advocates for policy amendments focused on addressing material degradation, information imbalance, and renter compensation. At a broader level, it highlights the need to reconsider how property rights shape Redevelopment policies, underscoring the systemic exclusion of renters. By addressing practical adjustments and reflecting on the constraints of a culture of property, the dissertation emphasizes the complexities of pursuing more equitable transformations in Seoul. Revealing the ideological and structural forces behind large-scale urban change, it calls for reimagining redevelopment practices that prioritize inclusivity and justice.