PHOTOS: 'Parasite' film location embroiled in redevelopment dispute

SEOUL, August 9 (AJU PRESS) - Ahyeon 1-dong in Mapo-gu, Seoul, served as the backdrop for the Oscar-winning film "Parasite" (2019). The district preserves glimpses of old Seoul while grappling with substandard living conditions. Characterized by extremely steep slopes, many dwellings lack adequate sunlight due to the cramped spaces between buildings.

This photo shows an alley in Ahyeon 1 District Mapo-gu Seoul which served as a backdrop for the Oscar-winning film Parasite is seen on Aug 8 2024 AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok — This photo shows an alley in Ahyeon 1-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, which served as the backdrop for the Oscar-winning film "Parasite," on Aug. 8, 2024.. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok

A banner identifying Ahyeon 1 District in Mapo-gu Seoul as a filming location for the Oscar-winning movie Parasite is displayed on Aug 8 2024 AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok — A banner identifying Ahyeon 1-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul as a filming location for the Oscar-winning movie "Parasite" is displayed on Aug. 8, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok

A supermarket featured in the Oscar-winning film Parasite is seen in Ahyeon 1 District Mapo-gu Seoul on Aug 8 2024 AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok — A supermarket featured in the Oscar-winning film "Parasite" is seen in Ahyeon 1-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul, on Aug. 8, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok

In 2022, the area was designated for secondary public redevelopment. However, two years later, the community remains divided over the best path forward.

Some residents support the city's public redevelopment scheme, while others advocate for inclusion in Seoul's station area development project. These conflicting views are evident in banners displayed throughout the neighborhood.

A steep stairway in Ahyeon 1 District Mapo-gu Seoul is seen on Aug 8 2024 This area served as a filming location for the Oscar-winning movie Parasite AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok — A steep stairway in Ahyeon 1-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul, is seen on Aug. 8, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok

A view of Ahyeon 1 District in Mapo-gu Seoul as seen from Son Gijeong Park on Aug 8 2024 AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok — A view of Ahyeon 1-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, as seen from Son Gijeong Park on Aug. 8, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok

Residents walk down a steep street in Ahyeon 1 District Mapo-gu Seoul on Aug 8 2024 AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok — Residents walk down a steep street in Ahyeon 1-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, on Aug. 8, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok

Household waste is haphazardly discarded in Ahyeon 1 District Mapo-gu Seoul on Aug 8 2024 AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok — Household waste is haphazardly discarded in Ahyeon 1-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul, on Aug. 8, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok

A house with broken windows stands neglected in Ahyeon 1 District Mapo-gu Seoul on Aug 8 2024 AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok — A house with broken windows stands neglected in Ahyeon 1-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul, on Aug. 8, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok

Banners related to public redevelopment plans are displayed in Ahyeon 1 District Mapo-gu Seoul on Aug 8 2024 AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok — Banners related to public redevelopment plans are displayed in Ahyeon 1-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul, on Aug. 8, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok

A banner promoting station area development is displayed in Ahyeon 1 District Mapo-gu Seoul on Aug 8 2024 AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok — A banner promoting station area development is displayed in Ahyeon 1-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, on Aug. 8, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok

Park Jong-hyeok qkrwhdgur2164@ajupress.com