ABSTRACT
South Korea epitomizes one of the distinct paths of urbanization sketched in the last chapter. In a sense, it represents a middle way between highly urban Japan and China and Southeast Asia, which are just seeing the beginnings of city growth. While Spain and other European powers were consolidating their colonial dominion over Southeast Asia, Korea remained relatively remote and isolated. Location played a role in this. The Korean peninsula was located far north of the Asian trade routes that initially allowed Europe to partake of the riches of “the Spice Islands.” After the Japanese arrived in Korea, Korean cities experienced a period of growth, but all increased at rates commensurate with their earlier positions in the urban hierarchy. Once incorporated into the modern world-system, it is very difficult for a nation to reisolate itself. This is particularly obvious for Korea, which one writer suggests has functioned as a veritable vortex of international activity.
