Challenges in the Institutionalization of Cultural Landscapes in Korea: Implications from the Japanese Case

Since the UNESCO World Heritage Committee adopted “cultural landscapes” as a new category of World Heritage in 1992, this typology has been increasingly integrated into heritage policies worldwide. However, despite a substantial accumulation of academic discourse, South Korea has yet to formally incorporate cultural landscapes into its institutional framework. This study examines Japan’s “Cultural Landscapes (文化的景観)” system and analyzes key points of contention in South Korea’s discussions on deriving policy directions for future institutionalization. A defining feature of the Japanese system is its ability to secure institutional effectiveness, not only by adding a new heritage category but also by establishing a process-oriented structure. This structure is predicated on local government-led identification and investigation of cultural assets, formulation of management plans, refinement of local ordinances, and active participation of residents. Based on these observations, this study suggests that while defining the heritage category is foundational for institutionalizing cultural landscapes in South Korea, it is equally crucial to establish integrated management systems, ensure inter-ministerial cooperation and regulatory alignment, incorporate regional cultural and policy perspectives, and build robust governance structures.