• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.162-182
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• 2024

Since the adoption of the World Heritage Convention, sites associated with dark histories have been inscribed as World Heritage sites over the past fifty years. However, in 2018, the review of nomination dossiers for these sites was temporarily suspended to prevent additional discomfort or the conflicts these inscriptions might cause. Despite concerns raised by experts about nominations of these sites, the increasing demands from State Parties led to the adoption of the Guiding Principles for the Preparation of Nominations Concerning Sites of Memory Associated with Recent Conflicts. These Guiding Principles have made it possible to inscribe such sites as World Heritage sites. The Guiding Principles play a crucial role in outlining the nature and criteria for inscription, the components required in the nomination dossier, and mechanisms for notifying a contestation in cases of differing interpretations of the site. Their primary aim is to minimize further conflicts that may arise from the inscription of sites of memory. They affirm that such sites can contribute to achieving the objectives of the World Heritage Convention and represent a significant step in addressing heritage interpretation in the World Heritage system. The amendment of the Operational Guidelines to incorporate a contestation mechanism has arguably established a more transparent and open inscription process. However, the Guiding Principles also have limitations. Among the ten criteria set by the World Heritage Convention, sites related to conflicts or dark histories can use Criterion (vi). This criterion focuses on the site's outstanding universal value linked to historical events or associations, regardless of physical evidence. If a State Party chooses not to use Criterion (vi), the application of the Guiding Principles cannot be expected. Furthermore, while the Guiding Principles require a heritage interpretation strategy in the nomination dossier, the lack of detailed guidance may confuse nominating countries. Sites of memory associated with recent conflicts are not just places that need protection and remembrance due to their association with dark histories. They have also evolved to become spaces for reconciliation and healing. The inscription of these sites as World Heritage sites is not just a recognition of their historical significance, but also a platform for discussing the impact of past conflicts on modern society. It opens up a dialogue on how current generations can address these issues. With the adoption of the Guiding Principles, we hope that inscribed sites will not only promote reconciliation and healing but also serve as a starting point for addressing present and future challenges.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.202-222
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• 2024

War is one of the most tragic and destructive incidents in human history, and it destroys precious cultural heritage. However, even amidst such devastation, certain cultural heritages convey messages of peace and human rights. This study aims to provide an in-depth interpretation of the significance of cultural heritage related to war. The research method involved an extensive review of theoretical discussions on war-related heritage. Based on this foundation, 18 cases of war heritage registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites were selected. These cases were classified and analyzed into three categories: "physical traces of war and military fortresses," "memories of war and atrocities, and messages of peace," and "restoration and reconstruction of cities destroyed by war." The results of this study confirm that war heritage encompasses not only physical evidence of war but also multilayered and complex meanings such as the memories and traumas of war, scars and healing, and conflict and reconciliation. Based on these findings, the study proposes that war heritage should be reinterpreted and expanded to represent a "heritage of peace" and transcend its role of only including physical traces of war to embody the values of peace. This demands a shift in perception that confronts the painful memories of war while transforming them into assets for building peace. Furthermore, it urges the active exploration of ways to utilize war heritage for peaceful purposes. This study distinguishes itself from existing research by deepening the academic discourse on war-related heritage and providing a theoretical foundation for the registration of war-related heritage as World Heritage Sites.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.115-128
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• 2019

Huam-dong is a representative area from the Japanese colonial period and is the space where most Japanese-style buildings remain in Seoul. Interest in modern cultural heritage continues to increase, including the registration of cultural properties in 2001, building assets in 2015, and the registration of cultural property units in 2018. As the debate continues over the necessity of preserving cultural heritage that reminds us of the Japanese colonial, there is a need for research to grasp the perceptions of stakeholders along with the perceived value of such spaces. This study identified the subjective perception types of the stakeholders concerned with the Japanese-style building group in Huam-dong, analyzed characteristics by types, and debated the issues. For this purpose, Q methodology, which is a statistical technique for measuring human self-subjectivity and extracting common human perspectives, was used. A literature study on the values of Huam-dong and modern cultural heritage was conducted, and a Q questionnaire based on five aspects of modern cultural heritage values (historical, architectural, sociocultural, landscape, and economic) was applied. The results of the study depicted three types of cognition and showed different attitudes toward the Japanese building group. This study found a conflict comparing the perceptional differences between the types of cognition. This study is meaningful in that it provides an in-depth approach to the perspectives of the stakeholders concerned with the Japanese-style buildings clustered in central Seoul. It is also meant to present a theoretical framework that can be applied to the use area as sustainable cultural heritage through the establishment of preservation and utilization of Japanese-style areas and conflict resolution.