Mega-Events and Mega-Ambitions: South Korea's Rise and the Strategic Use of the Big Four Events South Korea's Rise and the Story of the Big Four Events

"This book provides a holistic analysis of South Korea's strategic use of mega-events in its modern development. It examines the Summer Olympics (1988), the World Expo (1993), the FIFA World Cup (2002), and the Winter Olympics (2018) over the past 30 years of the country's rapid growth, and across varying stages of economic and political development. It explains how mega-events helped to secure South Korea's position on the international stage, boost nationalism, propel economic growth in export-oriented national companies, and build cities that accommodate - as well as represent - South Korea's progress. It thereby highlights the broader implications for today's global phenomenon of increasing reliance on mega-events as a catalyst for development, while the criticism that mega-events do more harm than good proliferates. The book is ideal for academics, policymakers, and those with an interest in mega-events and their role in the development of non-western countries."-- Provided by publisher Acknowledgements 6 Contents 7 List of Figures 8 List of Images 9 List of Tables 10 Chapter 1 Mega-Events and Mega-Ambitions: South Korea’s Rise and the Strategic Use of the Big Four Events 11 Abstract 11 Introduction 11 The Four Mega-Events 13 Political Legacy Impacts of Mega-Events 17 Contextualizing the Case of the South Korean Grand Slam 20 The Four Mega-Events: Book Overview 24 References 28 Chapter 2 1988 Summer Olympics and the Rise of South Korea and Seoul 33 Abstract 33 Aspirations and Bidding for the 1988 Summer Olympics 35 Preparation: Challenges and Opportunities for Urban Development 38 Early Development of Jamsil 41 Sports Facilities and the Olympic Park 42 Urban Development and the Transformation of Seoul 43 The Impact and Legacy of the 1988 Summer Olympics 46 Political Impact 47 Economic Impact 48 Social and 50 Concluding Remarks 51 References 54 Chapter 3 Daejeon Expo ’93 and Paving the Way for Future Development Aspirations 57 Abstract 57 Aspirations and Motivations for the Daejeon Expo ’93 59 Preparation: Endeavors at International, National, and Local Stages 62 Diplomacy and Political Discourses 63 Financial Difficulties and Chaebol Involvement 64 Urban Development Preparation 66 The Impact and Legacy of the Daejeon Expo ’93 67 International Relations and Branding Impact 67 Economic and Industrial Development Impact 68 Urban Development Impact and the Reuse of the Expo Venue 69 Concluding Remarks 71 References 74 Chapter 4 2002 FIFA World Cup and the Rebranding of South Korea 78 Abstract 78 Aspirations and Bidding for the 2002 FIFA World Cup 80 Preparation: Finance, Development, and Challenges 82 Economic Crisis and Discourses 83 Political Process and Discourse on Hosting City Selection 85 Building New Stadiums and Infrastructure: The Case of Seoul and Other Cities 87 The Impact and Legacy of the 2002 FIFA World Cup 92 Political Impact 92 Economic Impact 94 Urban Development Impact and Regional Inequality 95 Concluding Remarks 96 References 98 Chapter 5 PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics 102 Abstract 102 Aspirations and Bidding for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics 104 Aspirations and Expectations of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics 107 Preparing for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics 111 Local–National Tensions and Collaborations 111 Environmental Concerns and Controversy 115 The Uncertain Legacy of the 2018 Winter Olympics 117 Concluding Remarks 120 References 122 Chapter 6 Conclusions: The Art of Using Mega-Events for Development 126 Abstract 126 Four Mega-Events in South Korea’s Modern Development 127 Developmental Mega-Events and Their Implications 130 Afterthoughts and Suggestions for Future Work 134 References 137 Index 138 Front Matter....Pages i-xiii Mega-Events and Mega-Ambitions: South Korea’s Rise and the Strategic Use of the Big Four Events....Pages 1-22 1988 Summer Olympics and the Rise of South Korea and Seoul....Pages 23-46 Daejeon Expo ’93 and Paving the Way for Future Development Aspirations....Pages 47-67 2002 FIFA World Cup and the Rebranding of South Korea....Pages 69-92 PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics....Pages 93-116 Conclusions: The Art of Using Mega-Events for Development....Pages 117-128 Back Matter....Pages 129-132