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Japanese Rule and the Politics of Public Space in Colonial Korea, 1910-1945: A Comprehensive Examination

Dashawn Hayes

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Published in Assimilating Seoul: Japanese Rule And The Politics Of Public Space In Colonial Korea 1910 1945 (Asia Pacific Modern 12)

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The period of Japanese rule over Korea from 1910 to 1945 had a profound impact on the country's public spaces. Under Japanese governance, Korean cities were transformed, with new buildings and infrastructure projects aimed at demonstrating Japan's modernity and dominance. At the same time, traditional Korean spaces were suppressed as part of Japan's efforts to assimilate Korea into its empire.

This article examines the politics of public space in colonial Korea. It explores how Japanese authorities used public space to control the Korean population and promote their own imperial agenda. It also examines how Koreans resisted these efforts and used public space as a site of resistance and national identity.

Assimilating Seoul: Japanese Rule and the Politics of Public Space in Colonial Korea 1910 1945 (Asia Pacific Modern 12)

Assimilating Seoul: Japanese Rule and the Politics of Public Space in Colonial Korea, 1910–1945 (Asia Pacific Modern Book 12)

by Todd A. Henry

4.3 out of 5

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Japanese Urban Planning and Architecture

One of the most visible legacies of Japanese rule in Korea is its urban planning and architecture. Japanese authorities invested heavily in new infrastructure and construction projects, transforming Korean cities into showcases of Japan's modernity.

The most famous example of Japanese urban planning in Korea is the city of Keijo (now Seoul). Keijo was transformed under Japanese rule, with new buildings, parks, and streets laid out in a grid pattern. The city's skyline was dominated by imposing government buildings and corporate headquarters, while Korean architecture was relegated to the back alleys.

Colonial Korean City Assimilating Seoul: Japanese Rule And The Politics Of Public Space In Colonial Korea 1910 1945 (Asia Pacific Modern 12)

Japanese architecture in Korea was often designed to reflect the power and authority of the Japanese empire. Government buildings were typically large and imposing, with classical European facades. Schools and hospitals were also built in a Western style, to promote the idea that Japan was a more civilized nation than Korea.

The Suppression of Korean Public Space

While Japanese authorities were busy building new public spaces, they also suppressed traditional Korean spaces. Korean markets, temples, and other traditional gathering places were often closed or relocated. This was done in an effort to control the Korean population and prevent them from forming their own sense of community.

One of the most famous examples of the suppression of Korean public space is the destruction of the Namdaemun market in Seoul. The market was a vibrant and important part of Korean life, but it was destroyed by Japanese authorities in 1910 as part of their efforts to modernize the city.

Destruction Of Namdaemun Market Assimilating Seoul: Japanese Rule And The Politics Of Public Space In Colonial Korea 1910 1945 (Asia Pacific Modern 12) — The destruction of the Namdaemun market in Seoul in 1910.

The suppression of Korean public space had a profound impact on Korean society. It led to a loss of traditional Korean culture and a sense of alienation from their own country. It also made it more difficult for Koreans to resist Japanese rule.

Korean Resistance and Public Space

Despite the efforts of Japanese authorities to suppress Korean public space, Koreans continued to use it as a site of resistance and national identity. Korean markets, temples, and other traditional gathering places became important sites for Korean nationalism.

One of the most famous examples of Korean resistance in public space is the March 1st Movement of 1919. The movement began as a peaceful demonstration against Japanese rule, but it was met with brutal repression by Japanese authorities. In the aftermath of the movement, Korean public space became even more important as a symbol of Korean resistance.

March 1st Movement Assimilating Seoul: Japanese Rule And The Politics Of Public Space In Colonial Korea 1910 1945 (Asia Pacific Modern 12)

Koreans also used public space to express their national identity. They built schools, libraries, and other institutions that promoted Korean culture and language. They also used public space to commemorate their history and heroes.

The politics of public space in colonial Korea was a complex and contested issue. Japanese authorities used public space to control the Korean population and promote their own imperial agenda. However, Koreans also used public space as a site of resistance and national identity.

The legacy of Japanese rule in Korea can still be seen in the country's public spaces today. Many of the buildings and infrastructure projects built by the Japanese are still in use. However, there are also new public spaces that reflect the post-colonial era. These spaces are a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices of the Korean people during the colonial period.

Assimilating Seoul: Japanese Rule and the Politics of Public Space in Colonial Korea, 1910–1945 (Asia Pacific Modern Book 12)

by Todd A. Henry

4.3 out of 5