The 1988 Olympics: Momentum of Changes in Seoul
With the opening of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, Korea has now hosted its second Olympics following the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. The competition philosophy ‘harmony and advancement’ of the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the slogan ‘The world to Seoul, Seoul into the World’ was a challenge of the times for Seoul. By hosting the 1986 Asian Games, the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and the 1988 Seoul Paralympics, Seoul prioritized expansion of sports facilities and urban infrastructure through large-scale developments while pouring its energy into improving the living cultures of citizens. As a result, Jamsil and the Olympic Park were created as new urban spaces, while the Hangang River became a place of leisure for citizens as well as the center of the metropolis, Seoul. With the expansion of lines 2, 3, and 4 of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway, the Gangnam district quickly transformed into a new central city, and a new citizen lifestyle culture was born through a culture that incorporated color televisions and private cars. In this way, the 1988 Seoul Olympics became a driving force for the rapid growth of the Korean society and urban Seoul.
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Seoul Olympics, we will look back on the past half-century of Seoul's history. We anticipate that this exhibition will illustrate through sharing between generations how Seoul came to host the Olympics, as well as the changes faced in Seoul’s urban space and the lives of citizens.
[Exhibition Organization]
With the opening of the exhibition
Part 1: 1988, the Olympics and Seoul
1. The Olympics, a miracle into reality
2. International sports competitions held in Seoul in '86 and '88
Part 2: The 1988 Olympics and spatial change in Seoul
1. The Olympic main stages, Jamsil Sports Complex and Olympic Park
2. ‘Making a park from the water’, the Hangang River comprehensive development project
3. Urban network expansion for the Olympics
4. Advantages and disadvantages of urban development for the Olympics
Part 3: The Olympics and Seoul culture of the 1980s
1. The turbulent 1980s
2. The Olympics and ‘new-life’
Epilogue