Gentrification in a World Heritage Site: The Strategy for Preserving the Hue Citadel in Vietnam

This article describes gentrification around the Hue citadel in central Vietnam, which is now designated as World Heritage. Gentrification occurs across almost all urban areas and is taking place in Hue through the relocation of residents from the heritage area by the government in order to preserve cultural heritage against the pressures of urbanization. Based on qualitative methods with in-depth interviews and document analysis, this research article examines the initiation and evolution of the gentrification process in Hue, where the state takes the lead and follows four stages: (1) compensation, (2) resettlement, (3) displacement, and (4) renovation. Gentrification of the area brings positive outcomes for the urban façade and provides benefits for the city; on the other hand, it impacts neighborhoods and residents in many ways. Gentrification not only depends on the activities and directions of the state, but also requires and influences the consent of the people. Hence, gentrification is a complicated and endless process which causes many social conflicts. However, it is a Western concept, so it is necessary to investigate and develop it appropriately in the context of Vietnam, an Asian country.