Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the transition of planning paradigm through a comparative analysis about the urban planning charters. For analysis three urban planning charters are selected : the Charter of Athene, Machu-Picchu and Megaride, which are the most representative among others since the beginning of the 20th century. The items of analysis involve the historical backgrounds, the characteristics of description and framework, and the detailed contents of the charters. The results of the analysis are organized in three categories : first, basic standpoint on the city itself, second, methodologies and guidelines of urban planning, third, planning process and implementation system. Finally, some suggestions for Korean urban planning are made in accordance with the transition of planning paradigm. They are : First, the market oriented planning system in Korea should be substituted by the public interest oriented one as soon as possible. Second, the planning theories based on the Korean tradition and culture should be developed in addition to the guidelines of the urban planning charters. Third, the new paradigm for the post-industrial society indicated mostly in the Charter of Megaride should be explored seriously.