Iconic South Korean district on the brink in divisive urban renewal fight

Conservationists worry that reshaping Seoul’s Sewoon District risks erasing both heritage and livelihoods

For 42 years, Ha Sung-ki has sold large speakers to churches and event halls from his electronics shop inside Seoul’s Sewoon Plaza.

On a weekday afternoon, the corridor outside – once part of a bustling merchants’ network – is largely empty.

“These days, the number of customers crossing the street to come here can be counted on your fingers – sometimes fewer than 10 a day,” he said.

“People used to come for the nostalgia, the vintage products and the experience of assembling electronic components. But that whole culture has disappeared.”

Some callers even ask him whether the building still exists.

“People think the building is already gone because of redevelopment plans, so they don’t come any more,” he said.