The government is accelerating the globalization of K-heritage. This includes efforts to register world heritage sites, reclaim sovereignty over cultural assets abroad, and strengthen the national heritage safety net in response to climate change. The government plans to open green spaces at key historical sites, such as the Hyeonchungsa Shrine, and introduce cultural heritage accommodation programs to provide citizens with more opportunities to enjoy national heritage.
The Cultural Heritage Administration announced these initiatives in a report on its second-half plans on August 5. The focus is on enhancing the global status of K-heritage while strengthening the protection and utilization of national heritage.
As a follow-up to the 'Busan Declaration' adopted by the World Heritage Committee last month, a 'Busan Forum' will be held next year to solidify sustainable leadership in global heritage policy.
Efforts to register world heritage sites will also continue. In November, the 'Danwon High School 4.16 Archive' and 'Suwon Japbang and Eumsik Dimibang' will be submitted for inclusion in the Asia-Pacific regional list of world documentary heritage. In December, the government will work towards the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage listing for the 'Traditional Knowledge, Techniques, and Cultural Practices of Hanji Production.'
Leveraging Korea's advanced heritage preservation and restoration technologies, international cooperation will be expanded. The government will provide support for heritage preservation and management (ODA) to eight countries, including Egypt's Ramesseum Temple and Ghana's Cape Coast Castle. Joint excavations at sites like the Kultepe ruins in Turkey and underwater heritage in Vietnam and Mongolia will showcase Korea's cultural heritage preservation techniques to the world.
Management of cultural heritage abroad will also be strengthened. A systematic management plan for overseas cultural sites will be established to ensure the sovereignty of Korean cultural heritage is protected. This month, the 'Ahn Jung-geun's Artifacts' will be unveiled for the first time to share its value.
Additionally, a national heritage protection system will be established in preparation for climate change. Large-scale sprinklers will be pilot-installed around five major temples, including Bongjeongsa in Andong, next year. Starting in September, an 'AI-based intelligent detection system' will be introduced for 180 important cultural properties, including national treasures and treasures. A system will also be implemented to provide immediate support of up to 20 million won for damage to national heritage in areas declared as special disaster zones.
Opportunities for the public to enjoy national heritage in their daily lives will be expanded. The 'Pause Project' will allow for the pilot opening of green spaces at key historical sites, such as Hyeonchungsa, starting next year. The 'K-Heritage Stay' initiative will also be launched, allowing overnight stays at cultural heritage sites. From October to November, the outdoor ginkgo space of the National Palace Museum will be opened as a wedding venue under the 'Weddings in Cultural Heritage' program.
Regulatory innovations will also be pursued. The World Heritage Impact Assessment system will be enhanced to ensure harmony between preservation and development around world heritage sites, and a fast-track for regulatory approvals will be implemented to effectively support large-scale national projects.
The admission fees for palaces, which have been frozen for 20 years, will be updated. After a public discussion, new admission fee standards will be announced in November, to take effect on January 1, 2027. In the first half of this year, the total number of palace visitors increased by 6% compared to the same period last year, with foreign visitors surging by 29%, highlighting the urgent need for stable funding for heritage preservation and visitor services.
Heo Min, head of the Cultural Heritage Administration, stated, “Following the successful conclusion of the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee with international interest and participation, we will continue to spread the brand value of our national heritage worldwide in the second half of this year. We will actively pursue heritage enjoyment programs that citizens can feel and regulatory innovations.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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