Urban Innovation through Mega Sport Events: Evidence from the City of Seoul

A mega sport event as the globalization phenomenon is not only the symbol of the process of modernization but also the vehicle to upgrade global power and hold a dominant position in the world competition under the post-industrial era. This study notifies the role of mega sport events as a strategy for urban innovation in the context of global and local. Comparing the different roles of mega sport events between developing countries and developed countries, we intend to answer two questions: 1) what explains the nature and role of mega sport event, and 2) what are the major evidences of the transition in the globalization era. The conceptual framework, based on the temporal and spatial perspective, provides the mechanism through which the strategy for urban innovation has been changed from 'motivation for modernization' to 'rethinking of localization.' Focusing on the case of Seoul, we also compare major issues between two phases: role of agent, urban form, and urban development. Finally, this study sheds light on the concept of 'glocalization' which means the convergence of globalization and localization; and suggests the roles of (local) agent for hosting mega sport events.