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How did rapid urbanization change housing and skylines in Seoul and Busan?

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Pagoda of Jeongrimsa Temple in Buyeo, South Korea — Korean architecture Five-story stone pagoda of Jeongrimsa Temple, first half of the 7th century, Baekje period; in Buyeo, South Korea. Height 8.33 meters (27.3 feet).

Rapid urbanization in South Korea, particularly following the Korean War, fundamentally transformed the skylines and housing landscapes of Seoul and Busan.

Before 1960, both cities were characterized by low-rise structures, with few buildings exceeding 10 stories. To address the severe housing shortages caused by rapid population growth, the government initiated massive construction projects. Between 1988 and 1992 alone, more than 2.5 million housing units were created, primarily in the form of high-rise apartment blocks.1

This shift significantly altered the urban aesthetic:
* Seoul: The development of the Gangnam district south of the Han River introduced a new central business district defined by high-rise apartment complexes and modern office towers.2
* General Urbanization: High-rise apartment living became the standard for the majority of the population by the early 21st century.1

While this rapid vertical expansion provided necessary housing, it often outpaced the development of essential city infrastructure, such as water, sewage, and transportation systems. Consequently, modern Korean skylines are now dominated by dense clusters of high-rise residential architecture.1