The Changes of the urban space in Seoul in the Late Chosun Dynasty - focused on Commercial Development

Abstract

In the 18th century Seoul changed its urban culture in line with the transformation as a commercial city from the capital city of the medieval period. Accordingly, various types of areas with new functions had appeared. Along with the commercial development, the commercial center was expanded from one place at Sijeongsangga in Jongno to Chilpae, Yihyeon and Gyeonggang area. As citizens could have economic wealth and leisure culture, a kind of entertainment culture appeared together with the commercialization of entertainment and the amusement culture. And, a commercial agricultural area was formed at the suburban area. And the handcraft shops were formed collectively in Jongno, a center of commerce.<BR> Since the late 18th century, the center of Seoul urban space was a commercial area surrounding Jongnu. This area was an entertainment and commercial amusement area as well as handcraft production area. Areas outside the city wall became specialized for commercial agriculture and amusement zones. As such, the urban pace of Seoul was functionally divided according to the commercial development and the formation of urban culture. While the ritual functions including palaces, administrative offices, royal shrine and royal tomb remained, its significant status as a central place for the royal capital in the medieval tradition, citizens in Seoul enjoyed urban life based on commercial places.