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2021-07-26T12:48:26+05:30 2013-04-05T02:27:00+05:30 Home › stock market › South Korea Looked Just Like North Korea 50 Years Ago [PHOTOS]
South Korea Looked Just Like North Korea 50 Years Ago [PHOTOS] Here's Seoul in the 1960s.Here's Seoul in the 1960s.
Korea was mire in an image as a war-ravaged backwater.Korea was mire in an image as a war-ravaged backwater. But much like its other neighbors in Japan, South Korea eventually began to rebuild.But much like its other neighbors in Japan, South Korea eventually began to rebuild. In 1966, Hilton and Intercontinental pledged to open their first hotels in Seoul.In 1966, Hilton and Intercontinental pledged to open their first hotels in Seoul.
"Chosun Hotel, a Seoul Landmark, Will Be Razed for a new Skyscraper," ran a New York Times headline in 1966."Chosun Hotel, a Seoul Landmark, Will Be Razed for a new Skyscraper," ran a New York Times headline in 1966. Four years later, another story ran with the hed, "Skyline of Seoul Rises Proud and Gleaming."Four years later, another story ran with the hed, "Skyline of Seoul Rises Proud and Gleaming."
But there was still a long way to go. As of 1971, 74 percent of Seoul's citizens still relied on buses.But there was still a long way to go. As of 1971, 74 percent of Seoul's citizens still relied on buses. The man behind this transformation was Park Chung-hee, a controversial figure who'd taken power in a coup.The man behind this transformation was Park Chung-hee, a controversial figure who'd taken power in a coup.
Viewed by many as authoritarian, his reforms nevertheless led to what became known as "The Miracle On The Han River."Viewed by many as authoritarian, his reforms nevertheless led to what became known as "The Miracle On The Han River." Park initiated a series of "five year plans" designed to make the country more self reliant.Park initiated a series of "five year plans" designed to make the country more self reliant.
Between 1960 and 1970, the value of the South's exports grew from $30 million to $1 billion.Between 1960 and 1970, the value of the South's exports grew from $30 million to $1 billion. The country's major industrial base was textiles.The country's major industrial base was textiles.
Electronics also played a major role, especially after Samsung entered the field.Electronics also played a major role, especially after Samsung entered the field. Samsung was founded a generation earlier as a grocery companySamsung was founded a generation earlier as a grocery company
In 1979, Park Chung-hee was assassinated.In 1979, Park Chung-hee was assassinated. But the country remained under a nominal dictatorship. In 1980, at least 191 people were killed during democracy protests.But the country remained under a nominal dictatorship. In 1980, at least 191 people were killed during democracy protests.
But the economic base Park had created remained, and by the early 80s companies like Hyundai and Daewoo had taken off.But the economic base Park had created remained, and by the early 80s companies like Hyundai and Daewoo had taken off. In 1981, Seoul won its Summer Olympics bid for the '88 games. It was a watershed moment signaling the South had arrived.In 1981, Seoul won its Summer Olympics bid for the '88 games. It was a watershed moment signaling the South had arrived.
In 1985, the "63 Building" opened in Seoul. At 817 feet, it was the tallest in all of Asia.In 1985, the "63 Building" opened in Seoul. At 817 feet, it was the tallest in all of Asia. Perhaps the best indicator that Seoul had by the end of the '80s become fully developed is a travel piece the Times did in 1989...Perhaps the best indicator that Seoul had by the end of the '80s become fully developed is a travel piece the Times did in 1989...
"EVENING is descending on Pagoda Park, a meditative oasis along one of Seoul's fiendishly thriving boulevards," it began."EVENING is descending on Pagoda Park, a meditative oasis along one of Seoul's fiendishly thriving boulevards," it began. And continues: "A true Phoenix risen from war's ashes, this city can hardly be blamed if it isn't an esthetic showplace."And continues: "A true Phoenix risen from war's ashes, this city can hardly be blamed if it isn't an esthetic showplace."
More old Asia...More old Asia...