Half a century ago, South Korea embarked on a transformative journey through the *Saemaul Undong*, or the New Village Movement, which revitalized its rural landscape and laid the foundation for its meteoric rise on the global stage. As Korea marks the 50th anniversary of this remarkable initiative, modern and urbanized Korea stands at a crossroads. The towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, while symbols of prosperity, simultaneously cast shadows of mental strain and a longing for genuine happiness. Can the principles of *Saemaul Undong* offer a blueprint for the happy cities of tomorrow?

In the early 1970s, under the visionary leadership of President Park Chung-hee, South Korea ignited a grassroots movement that would change the trajectory of the nation. The mission of *Saemaul Undong*, or the New Village Movement, was twofold: to spur economic development and to bridge the urban-rural gap in the country. By championing the ethos of self-reliance and cooperation, villagers themselves became the architects of their change. Paired with education, an economic titan was born from the ashes of a poverty-stricken nation. However, this movement was not perfect, like all other transformative initiatives, as critiques pointed to the limitations of top-down approaches and regional disparities. Despite the shortcomings, its legacy stands undisputed as a successful case study for rural upliftment and community development initiatives.

Happy City

In a world progressively urbanizing, the essence of a city holds paramount importance, particularly in the case of South Korea. In Charles Montgomery’s book titled *Happy City*, he poses an intriguing premise that cities have an innate power to make people either joyous or depressed. Diving deep into urban landscapes, Montgomery unfolds how urban planning and design profoundly influence our emotions, behaviors, and holistic well-being. At its core, he confronts the "Money Paradox." While cities globally chase economic growth, a linear relationship between prosperity and happiness remains elusive. More money, as it turns out, does not directly translate to more happiness. So, how can Korean cities be reimagined to be wellsprings of joy, health, and sustainable living? One of the primary culprits behind modern urban discontent is car-centric planning. Streets choked with vehicles not only exacerbate environmental issues such as pollution but also perpetuate social isolation. Re-envisioning cities that prioritize public transport, cycling, and pedestrian pathways can catalyze a dual benefit – reduced environmental footprints and a drastic increase in social interactions. Picture a metropolis where the hum of conversation overshadows car horns, and where streets are made of human connection, not just cement.

Moreover, the emphasis on community spaces such as parks and plazas can act as communal heartbeats. They are not only vacant plots but also venues of camaraderie, festivity, and collective identity. Montgomery's observations resonate here: where residents are actively engaged with their streets and squares, crime rates plummet, leading to a society of trust and security. The built environment, in its very aesthetics and ergonomics, can modulate emotions. The shape, size, and layout of buildings, when thoughtfully designed, can foster feelings of happiness and connectivity. Envision neighborhoods that are conglomerations of houses and intricately woven tapestries of joy, sociability, and functionality. So can the ethos of the *Saemaul Undong*, deeply rooted in community development, align with the “Happy City” paradigm?

Reimagining Future Korean Cities

When contemplating the future of Korean cities, Professor Cuz Potter (College of International Studies, Korea University) reflects on the intrinsic intertwining of happiness, urban spaces, and economic systems. While the attainment of happiness, a complex and multifaceted emotion, is undeniably preferable, it is also ephemeral and cyclical, often shaped by our experiences of unhappiness. It is integral to view happiness, according to Professor Potter, as “the freedom to live life fully,” hinting towards a holistic approach to life where both joy and sorrow find space. The threads of spatial, economic, and social dynamics are tightly interwoven, shaping urban experiences across East Asia, particularly in South Korea. Yet, it is worth considering that economic pressures arguably bear a heavier burden on happiness and well-being than spatial ones. The starkness of social and economic competition in Korea, exemplified by the weary faces of third graders, late-night returnees from their *hagwon* (cram schools), points towards an intense struggle for socially desirable positions within a polarized society. Herein lies the quintessence of prevailing unhappiness and pervasive stress within urban Korea, and perhaps, the key to resolving it does not solely reside in spatial interventions but requires a more nuanced, multidimensional approach.

Professor Potter contends that the profundity of property relations in Korea and the associated economic challenges – particularly, securing affordable housing for low to medium income households – is continuously a crucial determinant of happiness and security. While spatial interventions, such as enhancing public spaces for recreation, exercise, and nature connections (like the development of in-city streams), offer some respite, they might only be palliative rather than curative without addressing underlying socio-economic disparities. Moreover, pivotal policies, especially those curbing real estate speculation and fortifying housing availability, while noteworthy, must navigate through the complexities of urban economic structures and property ownership norms. The challenge, hence, is to reimagine an urban framework that not only aligns with the principles of well-being and happiness but also robustly tackles the socio-economic root causes that significantly influence them. Thus, the future blueprint for Korean urban development may need to be as much about people and policies as it is about places and spaces, intertwining happiness, economics, and urban planning in a cohesive, holistic strategy.

In the journey to reimagine Korea's urban spaces, inevitable challenges loom ahead – economic limitations, deep-seated urban architectures, and the ever-present resistance to transformative change. But one cannot overlook South Korea's rich history with threads of resilience and an unyielding spirit. From rebuilding a war-torn nation to scaling economic zeniths, Korea's narrative has been one of relentless perseverance. With this indomitable spirit, there is every reason to believe that Korea can pioneer a new urban paradigm; one where cities are not just economic powerhouses but sanctuaries of holistic well-being and happiness, crafting a legacy for generations to embrace and cherish.