• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.1-16
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• 2003

This study seeks to find new strategies for the development of Tapgol Park and to identify Programs to promote this development. In addition, the study specifies the purpose and meaning of these efforts by revealing social aspects not apparent in the physical form of the site, and reading how these aspects influenced the development of Tapgol Park Because the focus of the study lies in reading cultural aspects of the site which have to be understood within the context of their social circumstances, the study drew materials from mass media such as newspapers and literary magazines, which best reflect these social aspects. Interpreting the over 100 you history of Tapgol Park in a cultural context, the study found a meaningful suggestion that such a small urban place located in a city forms a cultural identity in the course of communicating with its surrounding social situations. The change in the identity of Tapgol Park has been sensitive to changing social circumstances rather than the physical structure of the space. The original function of Tapgol Park as a traditional city park has gradually changed towards strengthening social functions, much like the character of an urban plaza. In the process of change the park developed a unique culture. This park culture, however, came not from the original design but from its close interactions with social circumstances changing over time. At the same time, the change in identity seen in Tapgol Park has not been fresh formed. It can be said that the inertia came into light with the potential powers under the place over the long history having been combined into the then social circumstances. In early 2002, the park re-opened, refurbished as one of the relics of the March 1st Movement. Investigating how cultural inertias that have been developing in various forms to date will change and be maintained in this new paradigm is an important assignment for researchers.