• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.576-591
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• 2003

This study examined how historical facts of the past were established as a symbol or identity of a region and reorganized in the present local communities. Janseong has reorganized regional symbols through a regional festival named Hong-gil-dong Festival based on its tradition and cultural resources and used them as a strategy for the regional revitalization. Jangseong was known as "a district of noble scholars" represented by the Philam Seowon(local school) enshrining Kim In-hoo, a superior one of the Confusion scholars of Joseon period. And it was considered as "a place of justice" because of historical fact that it was an important base of Donghak movement and the struggle by righteous soldiers who fought for the country in the late Joseon period. Moreover, as the place which is assumed as a birthplace of Hong Gil-dong, a hero of the Hong Gil-dong story was excavated, the local government has reorganized Mr. Hong as a symbol of the region and has held the Hong Gil-dong festival for its development. In spite of its short history, the festival was established as a representative of Janseong. It also created various regional cultural attractions such as regional logos of Hong Gil-dong and a tourist attraction of his birthplace. Jangseong reorganized its tradition for the regional revitalization through a business-oriented property of the event strategy enforcing a dynamic and external image. In the aspects of tradition reorganization and use for actual development, it is sure that the Hong Gil-dong Festival will work for true integration and revitalization of the region by providing experiences of reorganized regional tradition and culture along with various regional landscapes.