Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Following sweeping national protests, Korea's last military dictatorship, under Chun Doo-hwan,
steps down to allow democratic elections.
1988
Seoul hosts the Summer Olympic Games, building a huge Olympic Park and major expressway.
International showcase leads to increased trade and diplomatic relations for Korea.
2002
Seoul serves as one of the host cities for the World Cup, with the opening game of the soccer
tournament held at the new World Cup Stadium.
2010
Seoul hosts the G-20 Economic Summit and becomes World Design Capital, but its centrepiece -
Dongdaemun Design Plaza & Park, by architect Zaha Hadid - remains uncompleted.
2011
Independent candidate and former human-rights lawyer Park Won-soon is elected Seoul's mayor.
He puts the brakes on major construction projects and focuses on welfare spending.
