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Suwon_The past and present of Suwon Station (2)

As a province adjacent to Seoul, the country's capital city, Gyeonggi-do has inherited a vast amount of Korea's modern cultural heritage as the country has undergone a turbulent modern history, ranging from the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty to the Japanese Occupation Period followed by the national liberation and division, the Korean War, and the impressive industrialization and democratization processes. “Modern Cultural Heritage of Gyeonggi” will feature an introduction to the modern culture of Gyeonggi-do together with a discussion about the history, identity and values of the Province in terms of cultural heritage.


Writer | Ho-jin Choi



The commercial disctrict and markets of Suwon Station


Suwon had the Suwon Hwaseong North Gate Market (inside the gate), South Gate Market (outside the gate), and Osan Market, formed starting in the Joseon Period. The Suwon South Gate Market is currently known as Yeongdong Market. The North Gate Market disappeared in the mid and late 19th century, and its location is still unclear. Some records say that the Seongan Market was newly formed in 1904.


As the Gyeongbu Line opened in 1905 passed Suwon, and Suyeo Line and Suin Line opened in 1930 and 1937, respectively, started from Suwon Station, the salt and seafood from the West Sea and rice of Yeoju all had to pass through Suwon. The construction of railways strengthened the position of Suwon as the center of logistics and economy.


After extensive road construction had commenced in 1911, the number of carts increased, and Suwon Market and Osan Market flourished even more. As some cargo was directly transported from Anseong to Pyeongtaek without passing through Suwon and the Suyeo Line, and as other overland routes were developed, Suwon's role in cargo distribution has weakened. The oldest market of Hwaseong Fortress was relocated to Suwon Station of the Gyeongbu Line after it had been built. It is said that the commercial district of the station was dominated by Japanese people.


The number of traditional markets acknowledged by law increased most after the 2000s. After the Gyeongbu Line opened, the commercial district was developed with Suwon Station as the center, and it became the current commercial hub. Many markets were gathered in Paldal-gu, and are now located between Paldalmun Gate and Suwon Station. Yeongdong Market located near Suwoncheon Stream has the oldest history among the markets in Suwon. Even though the market suffered from a fire several times, it is still in operation after rebuilding.



Maesan Market in the 1950s (History of Suwon)


Suwon Station Market, which generally deals with agricultural, fishery, livestock, and industrial products, was registered in 1969. In 2011, Maesan Market was registered. Maesan Market was registered as an official market of Suwon in January 2011. It is the second permanent market following Yeongdong Market in Suwon. The current market was formed by vendors who gathered in the place where a covered river used to flow. Although Maesan Market was formed in 1949, it is, according to records, speculated to have started its operation before that. Maesan Market has been maintaining its urban structure across the southeast of Suwon Station for a long time. The market is gradually handing over its role to department stores and hypermarkets. However, the store owners are accepting the changes well, and Chinese and Southeast Asian restaurants are also finding their place.


Market Street, location of Maesan Market and Suwon Station Market


Unlike traditional markets, the northwest area of Suwon Station became the center of consumption, and was called Rodeo Street. This street, connecting Suwon Station to Gyeonggi Provincial Government Ogeori and Hyanggyo-ro was settled as a commercial district of Suwon Station, unlike the commercial district of Paldalmun Gate. However, architectural and cultural heritages with old traces now barely remain. Entertainment facilities and accommodations are located behind the commercial district to the north of Rodeo Street. Chinese restaurants have also been gradually increasing in this area.


Suwon Rodeo Street with few old traces / Commercial district in the rear of Suwon Rodeo Street


Suwon Station, originally constructed as a railway station that was the symbol of a modern city, has played an important role in development for the hub of transportation and commerce. Large buildings are being constructed near Suwon Station, and large-scale development projects are currently under way in the neighborhood. We should keep the traces of old Suwon as a modern city while preserving and looking back on the meaning of the residential area where citizens have been living for more than a century, as well as keeping its current value.


The present day neighborhood of Suwon Station



세부정보

  • Modern Cultural Heritage in Gyeonggi-do

    Writer/ Ho-jin Choi , Head of Jium Urban Architecture Lab

    Reference/ Railway Industry Information Center, History of Suwon, and Suwon

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