Developing a community-based approach to urban redevelopment

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to analyze the Joint Redevelopment Project (JRP), a housing renewal program in low-income residential communities, and second, to develop a community-based approach to urban redevelopment in Korea. In urban areas of Korea, particularly in Seoul, housing renewal has systematically reduced the supply of substandard housing in the areas where low-income families have concentrated, thereby isolating and marginalizing the displaced tenants. Housing renewal or urban redevelopment projects are basically profit-oriented rather than upgrading-oriented for a community by means of community dynamics and residents' participation. Although many renewal projects have contributed to the increase of homeowners among middle-income families who had enough financial resources for the purchase of a house, there have been no programs giving sufficient consideration to tenants. In fact, most renewal projects displaced low-income residents affected by housing speculation and attracted more middle-income families into the projects. For local governments, a community-based approach to urban policy means encouraging comprehensive planning and cooperation between governments and communities. It is a holistic approach built around families and communities. We need to use a learning and enabling process in order to develop a community-based approach to redevelopment in urban areas of Korea.