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Suwon to Seodaemun (Seoul)

Michael鈥檚 South Korean railway journey continues in Seoul. Travelling across one of the world鈥檚 largest metro systems, he heads south to Suwon to visit Samsung鈥檚 headquarters.

Michael鈥檚 South Korean railway journey continues in Seoul. Travelling across one of the world鈥檚 largest metro systems, he heads south to Suwon to visit Samsung鈥檚 headquarters, tracing the rise of the family-run company from a small trading business to a global technology giant and symbol of Korea鈥檚 postwar economic miracle. Touring a futuristic smart home, Michael explores how innovation now shapes everyday life.

Back in central Seoul, he visits the city鈥檚 original railway station, built during Japanese rule and now preserved as a cultural space, reflecting the complexities of Korea鈥檚 colonial past. In Gangnam, a district propelled to global stardom by a K-pop hit, he explores the international success of Korean popular culture, meeting the boss and dancers at a K-pop academy to understand how Hallyu 鈥� the Korean cultural wave 鈥� has conquered international audiences.

Finally, in Seodaemun, Michael visits a former prison and Independence Park to uncover the story of the March First Movement of 1919, a pivotal moment in Korea鈥檚 struggle for independence from Japan, meeting a descendant of a leading resistance figure whose courage helped shape Korea鈥檚 struggle for freedom.

7 months left to watch

28 minutes

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Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Michael Portillo
Director Ben Rowland
Executive Producer John Comerford
Executive Producer Alison Kreps

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