Chungnam Province and Japan's Nara Prefecture are continuing their 1500-year relationship, rooted in the exchanges between Baekje and ancient Japan, through future cooperation centered on world heritage.
On July 29, Chungnam Province, in collaboration with the Chungnam History and Culture Research Institute, held the "2026 Korea-Japan Cultural Seminar" at the Lotte Resort in Buyeo, focusing on the theme of "Baekje and the Ancient Capital of Japan."
Approximately 250 attendees participated in the seminar, including Chungnam Governor Park Soo-hyun, Nara Governor Yamashita Makoto, and Buyeo County Mayor Lee Yong-woo, along with cultural heritage experts from both domestic and international backgrounds.
The seminar aimed to reexamine the historical exchanges between Baekje and ancient Japan, as reflected in Chungnam's "Baekje Historic Areas" and Nara's "Asuka and Fujiwara Ancient Capitals," while exploring future uses of world heritage and cooperation in culture and tourism.
In the first lecture, Professor Seo Jeong-seok from Kongju National University stated, "Baekje was an ancient state that led peace and development in East Asia," highlighting the heritage that remains in the Baekje Historic Areas in Gongju and Buyeo.
He further explained the historical significance of the Baekje Historic Areas and the implications of its designation as a world heritage site.
Takahumi Yamada, a coordinator from Nara's World Heritage Office, introduced the world heritage sites in Nara and the recent designation process and significance of the Asuka and Fujiwara Ancient Capitals.
Professor Aihara Yoshiyuki from Nara University presented the 19 sites that make up the Asuka and Fujiwara Ancient Capitals, describing them as important archaeological sites that illustrate the formation of Japan's first ancient state based on active exchanges with the Korean Peninsula and the Chinese mainland.
Following the lectures, a discussion was held, moderated by Lee Gwi-young, head of the National Heritage Promotion Agency, featuring Governor Park, Governor Yamashita, and the speakers. Participants broadly discussed the future value of world heritage, the use of artificial intelligence (AI), the activation of night tourism, sustainable cultural exchanges, and the development of joint content.
Since signing a friendship cooperation agreement in 2011, Chungnam Province and Nara Prefecture have maintained exchanges in various fields, including culture, education, and tourism.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the agreement, and both regions plan to expand academic exchanges, cultural and tourism cooperation, and joint content development centered on world heritage, setting an example of local diplomacy.
Governor Park stated, "Chungnam Province and Nara Prefecture, sharing a historical bond through world heritage, will become even stronger partners," adding, "I hope this seminar serves as a catalyst for mutual development between the two regions and strengthens the ties between Korea and Japan."
He emphasized, "World heritage is not just about preserving the past; it is a living force that will shape the future of both Korea and Japan," and expressed a commitment to writing a new chapter in history based on their shared values of world heritage.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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