Date of Award

4-2024

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

History

First Advisor

Eli Rubin, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

James Palmitessa, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Victor Cunrui Xiong, Ph.D.

Keywords

Bundang, East Germany, Gangnam, Hamhung, North Korea, South Korea

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

This study builds upon the theories of architectural modernism advocated by the International Congress of Modern Architects (CIAM) and Le Corbusier as well as previous studies regarding East German experts being sent abroad to assist in urban development and modernizing schemes of non-European countries. This study examines the East German assistance in the reconstruction of the North Korean city of Hamhung and how North Korea absorbed the ideas of urban modernization advocated by the Soviet Bloc architects. Then the study will shift in focus to look across the border in South Korea which was influenced by a similar idea which came to Korea via inter-war period Japan and explore the urban modernization projects there to compare the urban developments of the two Koreas.

Despite the popular Cold War narrative of mainly contrast between the Communist and Capitalist blocs in its governance and economy, this study will show that there were also a lot of similarities and a shared idea of urban modernization that happened in both North and South Korea through the construction of mass housing blocks in the form of large quantities of uniform apartments. Therefore, this study aims to contribute to the understanding of the Cold War and urban development by showcasing Korea as an example that contains parallel developments of similar trajectories rather than a picture of strict contrast.

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