Way of Improvement for Foreign Areas in Megacities: Focused on Russian-Speaking, Central Asian Area in Gwanghui-Dong, Seoul, Korea

Abstract

One of the challenges in large megacities is the question with foreign settlements. International migrants coming to South Korea comprise of different groups; some of them, especially migrant workers tend to concentrate or settle down in some particular areas. Frequently strong ethnic consciousness, education and social networking, or places of employment proximity are important factors for their socialization. Spatial conditions and facilities of these city areas are changing to serve migrants needs. This paper presents results of our social survey conducted at Russian-speaking, Central Asian and Mongolian town in Gwanghuidong, Jung-gu in Seoul. The social survey analysed conditions in the area and collected views of residents, workers, visitors and customers of the area in June-November 2013. The results of social survey demonstrate the need and can be used for further improvement of urban conditions at the area. Paper discusses on further research directions on “foreign villages” urban conditions and their social values and challenges for cities.