(국영문 동시배포) 유산을 둘러싼 기억과 갈등, 국제 공동 연구로 조명

Korea

Heritage

Service

NEWS

Division: International Cooperation Division,

Heritage Policy Bureau

Contact person: Seo Jeongsam (042-481-4861), Jeong Huiryang (042-481-4863)

International Joint Research Examines Memory and Conflict Surrounding Heritage

• Korea Heritage Service and Korean National Commission for UNESCO share findings from Transnational Heritage Research at World Heritage Committee Side Event (July 21 at BEXCO, Busan) -

The Korea Heritage Service (Administrator Huh Min, hereinafter KHS) and the Korean National Commission for UNESCO (Secretary-General Hong Hyunik, hereinafter KNCU) held a side event at 1:00 p.m. on July 21 at BEXCO Busan to mark the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee and present the key findings of the International Joint Research on Transnational Heritage project.

Held under the theme “Unveiling Shared Pasts and Shaping Common Futures,” the event was organized to share the findings of the international joint research project with stakeholders in the World Heritage field and help shape international discussions on major World Heritage issues. Approximately 100 participants attended, including delegations to the World Heritage Committee, representatives of UNESCO and its advisory bodies, and heritage experts and researchers from Korea and abroad.

Since 2024, KHS and KNCU have jointly conducted the International Joint Research on Transnational Heritage project. Working with leading researchers worldwide, the project examines histories and memories, as well as experiences of conflict and reconciliation, that have developed across multiple countries and communities rather than within the boundaries of a single nation. By exploring from multiple perspectives such key issues in contemporary heritage as international conflict, the politics of memory, reconciliation and peacebuilding, the project seeks to foster discourse grounded in universal values and help expand the foundation for sustainable international cooperation.

At the side event, members of the joint research teams and experts from Korea and abroad presented the findings of their transnational heritage research and discussed the significance of the research for World Heritage policy and international cooperation.

In the first presentation, Professor Lynn Meskell of the University of Pennsylvania spoke on “Weaponizing Heritage in 21st Century Conflict.” She examined how heritage is used as a strategic asset in diplomacy, security, and international conflict, and proposed directions for heritage protection and international cooperation in response to the politicization of heritage and conflicts surrounding historical memory.

Professor Yujie Zhu of the Australian National University then delivered a presentation titled “Constellations of Memory: Transnational Heritage Networks and the Afterlives of War.” He introduced the role of museums in connecting different memories and experiences of reconciliation across national borders. In particular, he highlighted the potential for museums to share memories of war, forced migration and historical trauma and to serve as hubs in international memory networks advancing human rights and peace.

Following the presentations, a panel discussion was moderated by Professor Laurajane Smith, founder of the Association of Critical Heritage Studies. Choi Jaeheon, President of ICOMOS Korea, joined the presenters in examining the significance of the concept of transnational heritage for World Heritage policy and international cooperation and discussing directions for its future development.

KHS as part of Proactive Administration will continue to respond to needs in the field and changes in international heritage discourse. It will also further expand its networks of cooperation with international researchers and specialized institutions and continue taking active measures to strengthen Korea’s role and standing in the World Heritage field.

Attachment: Photographs from the event held on July 21. End.