2025 Theses Master's

Japanese Colonial Architecture in South Korea: Changes in Perception from 1945-2025

Kang, Doei

This thesis explores the changing perceptions surrounding the preservation of Japanese colonial architecture in South Korea. By examining key developments in the country’s preservation field over the past century, the study examines how attitudes toward Japanese colonial architecture have changed since 1945, framing this evolution within the broader development of preservation practices in South Korea. The thesis finds that the reasons for preserving these buildings are multifaceted, as demonstrated through the analysis of three case study sites. However, a consistent theme across all cases is the role of Korean national identity and historical significance in shaping the rationale for preserving colonial-era architecture.