Reconciling the Conservation of Cultural Heritage with Rural Development

This study demonstrates that conserving cultural heritage and promoting heritage tourism can complement sustainable regional development, rather than compete. It challenges the traditional dichotomy between preservation and economic growth by showing how Andong, South Korea—a city rich in UNESCO-listed tangible and intangible heritage—has successfully leveraged its cultural assets to boost local identity and economy without compromising authenticity. The research employs a qualitative approach, combining archival analysis, fieldwork, and observation, to trace Andong's cultural policies from the 1950s to the 2000s, revealing how digitization and reinterpretation of heritage can extend its value while preserving its integrity. A key insight is that 'existential authenticity,' rooted in tourist experiences rather than mere object preservation, offers a new paradigm for balancing conservation with development.

Lee, S., Jung, J.-H., & Kwon, D. (2022). Reconciling the Conservation of Cultural Heritage with Rural Development. M/C Journal, 25(3). https://doi.org/10.5204/mcj.2904