condenCITY_98 speculation ruin



Back in late 2001, I would gaze out my apartment window and wonder when this building, seemingly at a momentary standstill, would be completed. Since that time years back, having left and returned to Seoul to live in the same place- this building still stands frozen, as it has for more than a decade. Paralyzed in speculative debate amongst landowners in one of the wealthiest districts in the city.  

Standing testament to indifferent government policies- at least with respect to the urban public condition- one must wonder how it is possible for such inactivity to remain in a location of desire? Where is the neighborhood outrage and call for action condemning this place? How could owners of private property be allowed to maintain such a decrepit stance with back turned? 

The ruinous demise has unfolded in a front of tatters, shocking as it is the city remains quiet spectator- or so it seems.  Seocho- tied in speculation ruin. 



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