How did Seoul change after the destruction of the Korean War?

Following the devastation of the Korean War (1950–53), which forced the temporary relocation of the capital to Busan, Seoul underwent a period of rapid transformation and modernization. Out of the postwar rubble, the city evolved into a global metropolis characterized by skyscrapers and extensive highway networks.1

Key aspects of this development included:

• Expansion and Urban Planning: The city’s boundaries were significantly extended, particularly in the 1960s, to encompass both banks of the Han River. While the historic "North City" retained its traditional layout, the area south of the river—known as Gangnam—was extensively developed starting in the 1970s, eventually becoming a second central business district.23
• Economic Growth: This physical expansion was supported by South Korea’s rapid industrialization, often referred to as the "miracle on the Han River," which provided the necessary capital for large-scale infrastructure projects.14
• Modernization: The city integrated high-technology industries and international business hubs, aiming to establish itself as a center for northeastern Asia. This effort was further highlighted by the Seoul 1988 Summer Olympic Games, which helped increase the city's global profile.1