Suburbia in evolution: Exploring polycentricity and suburban typologies in the Seoul metropolitan area, South Korea

Abstract

The transformation of the Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA), South Korea, is relatively unknown despite the rapid suburbanization that has occurred since the late twentieth century. This study examines the area and its evolution between 1985 and 2015. It finds increasing levels of polycentricity in the SMA measured with five indices. With a refined set of metrics, it identifies nine Edge Cities and eight Boomburbs in the SMA that operate as new suburban centers of growth in the area, as well as several types within them. The evolution of the SMA is largely due to the active role of the state in implementing regional planning, as well as the autonomous actions of private companies and citizens. These result in a unique suburban landscape that differs from those of Europe and the US. This study suggests the need for further research on the SMA in search of new models and concepts that theorize new transformations that metropolitan areas experience.