My Topophilia, Chang-dong๐ ๐
Written by Marting Lee (GINUE Friends)
- Chang-dong photos!!โ :
When I visited Chang-dong 2 years ago!!
Hello, Guys.โโ I'm Marting Lee. I'm so happy that you clicked on this.๐๐
Today, I'm going to talk about 'My Topophilia.'
Topophilia, love for a place. It is a combination of two words, Topos(=place) and Philia(=love). It refers to the phenomenon in which humans feel a tie and love for a specific place. It is similar to Nostalgia. And for me, there is difinetely a place that arouse topophilia.
It is called 'Chang-dong.' (located in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea.) Name of the Chang-dong has the meaning of warehouse. Since the Joseon Dynasty, there has been a warehouse to store crops. In addition, Due to its geographical feature adjacent to the coast of Masan, It was an important base for dried fish to go up to 'Hanyang'(now Seoul).
Then, In the modern era, It floushed as a free export area by ship, and in the 1960s and early 2000s, boomed remarkably with laborers on the Hanil synthetic fabric industry.
Chang-dong in my parents' memory is the splendor of this time. Once called as the best hot place in Gyeongsangnam-do, it became a playground for young people at that time. There were many theaters, restaurants, and bars, and it was a place that played a big role in the local economy. When the monthly salary of an employee of a large factory was 200,000 won(143$) in 1986, runnng a bar in Chang-dong earned 800,000~900,000 won(571~642$) per month, so you can imagine how prosperous Chang-dong was.
Chang-dong, which literally had a brilliant heyday, experienced decline since the mid-2000s. With the development of new cities around it, other downtown areas, large stores, and departement stores were created, and the core of the region gradually moved from Chang-dong to other places.
With the severe vacancy rate, 'Chang-dong in those days' disappeared into memories. Then, from the late 2000s, 'Saving Changdong' movement unfolded, and various efforts were made along with the establishment of the 'Chang-dong Art Village.' And now, It is maintained as a place that cherishes the history and culture.
And Chang-dong, I remember, is such a sight. I can recall the first time I visited Chang-dong. It wasn't overly crowded. But happy laughter of people visiting shops and handcraft workshops, Scent & flavor of Hwabun(flower pot) Ttteokbokki, and Guitar melodies played by street musicians, these features comforted both my sense and heart. That is why I fell in love with Chang-dong. I really liked that each individual experience own time and space, rather than too colorful or shiny. Furthermore, the geographical and historical trajectory that Chang-dong has experienced was not flat, so it resonated with the heart. Thus, until I was a middle school student, I regularty visited Chang-dong as the member of the 'Chang-dong exploration club.' It remaind as happy memory of my childhood. However, since I became a high school student, I have not been able to visit Chang-dong well.
Neverthelsess, It is a valuable place where 'My Topophilia' was formed.
If I go to my hometown this summer vacation, I should visit Chang-dong
Now, I want to ask you this.๐๐
"What is your Topophilia?"
"Where do you feel Topophilia?"
Thinking about the place that gave you happiness and memories will difinitely help you understand yourself.
I hope you find "your own Chang-dong" too!!๐๐
- Chang-dong map link :
