Seoul’s Yongsan District Office, under the leadership of Mayor Park Hee Young, has published an in-depth cultural report on the Yongsan Electronics Market. Announced on November 28, the report marks a significant milestone in documenting the historical and cultural evolution of one of Seoul’s most iconic commercial hubs.
This publication, a product of extensive research by the Yongsan History Museum, provides a multidimensional perspective on the Yongsan Electronics Market. The study, conducted from November 2022 to May 2023, encompasses historical, urban, geopolitical, spatial, and cultural analyses of the area. The report aims to preserve the heritage of Yongsan while offering insights into its transformation and future potential.
Spanning 279 pages in A4 format, the report is divided into five main sections. It covers the historical background of the lower Mancho Stream area, the market’s evolution from the Yongsan Fruit and Vegetable Market to the Electronics Market, its development as a hub for electronic goods, and current revitalization plans. Additionally, it includes interviews with vendors and consumers and detailed surveys of the area’s shops and landscapes.
The research draws upon a wealth of archival materials sourced from institutions such as the National Archives of Korea, the Kyujanggak Institute for Korean Studies, the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, and Seoul Studies Institute at the University of Seoul. These efforts were supplemented by on-site measurements and interviews with vendors and visitors, adding a human dimension to the historical data.
A team of esteemed advisors, including Professors Kim Se Jun (Sookmyung Women’s University) and Shin Ju Baek (Sungkonghoe University), and curators from national institutions, provided guidance throughout the project. Their expertise ensured the accuracy and depth of the findings.
The report will be distributed to museums, libraries, universities, and research institutions nationwide, with 1,000 printed copies available. For broader accessibility, a digital version (PDF) has been uploaded to the Yongsan History Museum’s website.
Beginning December 6, the museum will also host an exhibition showcasing the findings from this cultural research. The exhibition, open from 10 AM to 6 PM, will be free to the public and will allow visitors to explore the area’s historical transformation through interactive displays.
Mayor Park emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “This report highlights the dynamic evolution of Yongsan Electronics Market as it prepares for its next chapter as part of the Yongsan International Business District. The Yongsan History Museum will continue to support research that bridges the region’s past and future, contributing to the district’s identity and development.”
The Yongsan Electronics Market, once the beating heart of Korea’s electronics trade, is now reimagining its role in the modern era. Through this comprehensive cultural documentation, the district office aims to preserve the site’s heritage while charting a path for its future as a vibrant and innovative urban space.
Sayart / ReaA JUNG, queen7203@gmail.com
Courtesy of the Yongsan District Office
Seoul’s Yongsan District Office, under the leadership of Mayor Park Hee Young, has published an in-depth cultural report on the Yongsan Electronics Market. Announced on November 28, the report marks a significant milestone in documenting the historical and cultural evolution of one of Seoul’s most iconic commercial hubs.
This publication, a product of extensive research by the Yongsan History Museum, provides a multidimensional perspective on the Yongsan Electronics Market. The study, conducted from November 2022 to May 2023, encompasses historical, urban, geopolitical, spatial, and cultural analyses of the area. The report aims to preserve the heritage of Yongsan while offering insights into its transformation and future potential.
Spanning 279 pages in A4 format, the report is divided into five main sections. It covers the historical background of the lower Mancho Stream area, the market’s evolution from the Yongsan Fruit and Vegetable Market to the Electronics Market, its development as a hub for electronic goods, and current revitalization plans. Additionally, it includes interviews with vendors and consumers and detailed surveys of the area’s shops and landscapes.
The research draws upon a wealth of archival materials sourced from institutions such as the National Archives of Korea, the Kyujanggak Institute for Korean Studies, the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, and Seoul Studies Institute at the University of Seoul. These efforts were supplemented by on-site measurements and interviews with vendors and visitors, adding a human dimension to the historical data.
A team of esteemed advisors, including Professors Kim Se Jun (Sookmyung Women’s University) and Shin Ju Baek (Sungkonghoe University), and curators from national institutions, provided guidance throughout the project. Their expertise ensured the accuracy and depth of the findings.
The report will be distributed to museums, libraries, universities, and research institutions nationwide, with 1,000 printed copies available. For broader accessibility, a digital version (PDF) has been uploaded to the Yongsan History Museum’s website.
Beginning December 6, the museum will also host an exhibition showcasing the findings from this cultural research. The exhibition, open from 10 AM to 6 PM, will be free to the public and will allow visitors to explore the area’s historical transformation through interactive displays.
Mayor Park emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “This report highlights the dynamic evolution of Yongsan Electronics Market as it prepares for its next chapter as part of the Yongsan International Business District. The Yongsan History Museum will continue to support research that bridges the region’s past and future, contributing to the district’s identity and development.”
The Yongsan Electronics Market, once the beating heart of Korea’s electronics trade, is now reimagining its role in the modern era. Through this comprehensive cultural documentation, the district office aims to preserve the site’s heritage while charting a path for its future as a vibrant and innovative urban space.
