Land-Development Policy in South Korea

Abstract

Between 1950 and 1980 South Korea has changed from a predominantly rural to an urbanized society. Highly concentrated urbanization around Seoul in the 1950s and 1960s created sevre economic and social disparities between the capital and other parts of the country. During the 1970s the central government recognized the need for more balanced patterns of urbanization and economic development and instituted comprehensive development plans. The policies aimed at reducing the pace of rural to urban migration slowing the population growth rate of Seoul and creating a balanced pattern of regional and urban development. Strategies for achieving these goals included the improvement of the living environment and services in secondary and intermediate cities the designation of intermediate-sized cities as growth centers to receive investments of social services and infrastructure regulations on land development in Seoul and other metropolitan areas and for the deconcentration of industry from metropolitan areas and for the creation of new industry in other cities. Despite plementation problems the central government has successfully slowed Seouls growth rate and changed the pattern of urbanization in South Korea. While a bias towards Seoul persists its share of the urban population declined from 43% in 1971 to 39% in 1980. Seouls growth rate dropped from 55% between 1960 and 1965 to 21% between 1975 and 1980. Thirteen of the countrys 20 largest cities grew faster than Seoul from 1970 to 1980 while the economy and urban structure of the intermediate cities has changed dramatically with manufacturing dominating employment. The current comprehensive development plan will seek to reinforce these trends.