VIRTUAL Manchester Livable Cities
Abstract
Gamcheon, a hilly district in South Korea’s second largest city, has been celebrated as a successful example of the urban revitalization. Once known for its history as a settlement for North Korean refugees, the neighborhood has transformed into a prominent tourist destination, adorned with murals and sculptures. Thanks to its selection for the government-funded public art program in 2009 and 2012, dull corners of the streets and steep stairways are now beautified with images of birds, trees, fish, and boats. Media and government efforts to promote the district as a cultural landmark contributed to a surge in tourism, with yearly visitors reaching two million before the pandemic. However, this influx led to inevitable gentrification and cultural commodification at the expense of local populations, and the lack of municipal intervention only intensified the frustration of the community. In response, community members established the Gamcheon Village Residents’ Council in 2018, driven by a common goal: resisting gentrification and finding ways to benefit from tourism. The council has sparked the rise of local enterprises, such as a communal bakery, a gift shop selling locally crafted souvenirs, and short-term rental properties converted from vacant houses. The profits generated from these ventures are reinvested directly into the community, funding initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for its members. Through collective action, the residents of Gamcheon are reclaiming their neighborhood, mitigating the social disruptions brought by the public art program, and further fostering sustainable urban development. Their grassroot approach offers a valuable lesson in the times of overtourism and tourismphobia.
Nogin Chung is an Associate Professor of Art History at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Her research focuses on public art and its intersections with politics and economics. She has published articles including “Call for Populist Public Art” and “Seoul, South Korea: When Every Citizen Takes It to Heart.” She earned her Ph.D. in Art History from the University of Minnesota and an M.B.A. from Bloomsburg University.