Negotiating the Polycentric City-region: Developmental State Politics of New Town Development in the Seoul Capital Region

Abstract

This study seeks to distinguish patterns and processes of contemporary urbanisation in the east Asian context by investigating contemporary developments at the edge of the Seoul capital city over the past two decades. Through the analytical angle of local politics, the aim is to examine the nature, driving forces and outcomes of these new town developments in the context of South Korean urbanisation through the case of the Pangyo new town development. It is argued that a new form of governance with regard to city-region formation is gradually emerging, while the state still holds significant institutional power and policy tools in the context of new town development. This study utilises triangulation techniques that employ multiple methods of observations, such as interviewing (informal, formal and semi-formal), listening, document analysis and site visits.