Korea as model, too: The international circulation of ‘Korean-style’ new towns

Keywords: new cities; urban policy mobilities; policy transfer; town planning; urban models; Korean urbanism
Abstract Type: Virtual Paper Abstract

Abstract

There is growing scholarly interest in the emergence and circulation of urban models that originate outside of European and North American contexts, demonstrating networks of urban policy transfer beyond conventional flows from the Global North to the Global South. Particular attention has been paid to Dubai and Singapore as examples of places outside of the Global North that have developed unique models of urban and economic development that are emulated and referenced globally. This article explores the state-owned Korea Land & Housing Corporation (LH) as an understudied global new city builder and a key agent in the transnational circulation of the Korean new town models. We examine how South Korean companies gained global prominence in designing and building new cities in places such as Ecuador, Tanzania, and Kuwait, and what constitutes the ‘Korean new town model’. Through a textual analysis of official promotional material and interviews with upper management at LH, we explore the mechanics of how LH sells its expertise internationally, primarily through hosting study tours and through individual employees engaging in strategic networking with foreign officials.