Seongsu Silo: Seoul Urban Manufacturing Hub / Society of Architecture

Since its foundation in 1394, Seoul has transitioned from an agrarian society to a full-fledged industrialized megacity. Within this 600-year transition, it was the 20th century that saw the most drastic urban change due to a process of industrialization. During its colonial period under Japanese imperial rule (1910–45),Yeongdeungpo, southwest of the Han River, was developed with heavy military infrastructure. This laid the groundwork for this area to transform into Seoul’s largest industrial zone after liberation from Japan. Other industrial areas around Seoul followed, yet, as of 2021, only seven major semi-industrial zones in Seoul remain. They account for 3.3 percent of the city’s total area but are essential to its industrial economy.