"How Was Gangnam Made?"... Gangnam District Publishes "Fifty Years of Gangnam"

Publication of "Walking Through the Time of Gangnam"

To mark the 50th anniversary of its establishment, Gangnam District in Seoul (District Mayor Cho Sungmyung) has published a historical and cultural book titled "Walking Through the Time of Gangnam," capturing the region’s transformation and the vivid voices of its residents.

This book is a condensed record of over 100 years of history, tracing the evolution from Gangnam’s natural environment and history before it was even called "Gangnam," to its rise as a global city. It features a wealth of administrative data, media records, and archival photographs, visually illustrating the process of urbanization and offering a comprehensive look at Gangnam’s social and cultural changes.

Book cover of "Walking Through the Time of Gangnam." Provided by Gangnam District.

The book is divided into four sections. Part 1, "Gangnam Before Gangnam," explores the origins of the district through the natural environment and cultural heritage south of the Han River. Part 2, "Gangnam’s Era of Rapid Growth," covers the district’s development by era, including its incorporation into Seoul in the 1960s, the establishment of Gangnam District in 1975, hosting the Seoul Olympics in 1988, the IT venture boom of the 1990s, and its transformation into a center of K-culture in the 2000s.

Part 3, "Fifty Years of Gangnam Through Keywords," sheds light on the district’s social landscape and popular culture through 14 keywords that symbolize Gangnam, such as Eunma Apartment, the Third Hangang Bridge, Gangnam Mothers, and Gangnam Style. Part 4, "The Real Stories of Gangnam Told by Its People," presents the living voices of the community through interviews with ten individuals, including original residents, merchants, those who spent their school years in Gangnam, and people who settled in the district in pursuit of their dreams.

The strong participation of residents stands out in this book. Residents selected through an open call contributed their memories and experiences, completing a narrative that goes beyond administrative records to tell the story of the community. The book is also available as an e-book, accessible to everyone on the Gangnam District 50th Anniversary website, and printed copies are available at public libraries and community centers for local residents to conveniently access.

Cho Sungmyung, Mayor of Gangnam District, stated, “This historical and cultural book is a valuable achievement, preserving Gangnam’s transformation and the stories of its residents for everyone to share. We will continue to wisely carry on the district’s history and culture, and prepare for Gangnam’s future together with our residents.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.