Growth and Management of Mega-Cities : The Case of Seoul

Abstract

Seoul will reach its 600th anniversary in 1994 as the capital of Korea. Yet Seoul is a metropolis in the making. The phenomenal growth of the city is both consequence and a driving force behind the unprecedented socio-economic change that has transformed a pastoral preindustrial society into one of the world's fastest growing economies and a highly enterprising industrial nation. The transformation has been overwhelmingly abrupt, quickpaced and pervasive. Seoul has been a pivotal in this progress of transformation. Backed by its long· standing prestige as the center of power under a highly centralized politico·administrative system, Seoul has attracted a concentration of people and resources. In 1960, Seoul did not appear in the rank of 25 mega cities but marked 15th largest city in 1980 and is expected to become 7th largest city in the world in the year of 2000. Seoul has grown from an abscure national city in the 1960's to one of the world cities now. As of 1989, its population is approaching to about 11 millions and is still increasing by 500 persons in a day. However, Seoul seems to enter into another phase of urban growth that its metropolitan area comprising the Special City of Seoul and contiguous smaller municipalities has experienced most rapid growth in terms of population and industrial distribution.