Exploring Seoul’s Industrial Heritage and High-Tech, Multicultural Present

LEADER: Robert J. Fouser

DATE: Saturday. June 8, 2024. 1:00PM to 5:00PM

DESTINATION: Gasan Digital Complex & Daerim-dong

COST: W30,000 for RAS Korea lifetime and annual members; W40,000 for Non-members

MEETING POINT: At the top of Exit 8 of Gasan Digital Complex (가산디지털단지) station (Subway Line 1 & 7). At 1:00PM

REGISTRATION:  RSVP by June 6 (Thursday) with payment of the fee via bank transfer. Please register one RSVP at a time.

☞Payment to be remitted to the following account:
SHINHAN BANK ACCOUNT # 100-026-383501 (RAS-KB)

*Reservation is not confirmed until payment has been received by RAS Korea in advance of the event.

On this walk, we will explore Seoul’s industrial heritage and high-tech, multicultural present, starting at the Gasan Digital Complex and ending in Daerim-dong, which is home to the largest Chinatown in Seoul. The area comprises three sections, now collectively known as G Valley, which were once part of the large Guro Industrial Complex. Most of the factories moved out in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and each section was later redeveloped into a commercial hub with a focus on technology. Adjacent to the former industrial complex, some areas reveal the factory-town cityscape that developed during the period of rapid industrialization. These areas now have a high concentration of foreign laborers who work in small factories and service industries throughout Seoul. The area is still undergoing redevelopment, so it remains in flux.

We will start our walk at Gasan Digital Complex Station and head towards the newly developed area along Anyangcheon Stream, which has been transformed into a walking course leading south to Anyang, an industrial suburb of Seoul. Along the way, we will observe some old factory buildings that have been repurposed into commercial establishments. Our first destination will be the Guro Industrial Complex Workers’ Life Experience Center. The center, developed by Geumcheon District in a former dormitory for female factory workers, contains exhibits related to their daily lives.

Next, we will head to Garibong Market, which caters to foreign workers living in the area. We will examine the services provided to them. Then, we will visit the G Valley Industrial Museum located on the edge of the first section of the former industrial complex. The museum features a detailed exhibition on the area’s industrial history. Next, we will walk through the newly developed Guro Digital Complex on our way to Daerim-dong, where we will explore how the large commercial area caters to the needs of residents, most of whom are ethnic Koreans from China.

The excursion will begin at 13:00 at Exit #8 of Gasan Digital Complex Station (Subway Lines 1 & 7) and last until about 17:00, ending at Daerim Station (Subway Lines 2 & 7). After the excursion, participants have the option to join Robert for coffee or an early dinner. Please note that the cost of the meal is not included in the excursion fee. Although the walk is mostly flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.