Heritage Values and Research Agendas of the Routes to Mount Kumgang : An Approach from the Perspective of Cultural Routes

Mount Kumgang’s heritage extends beyond its scenic beauty to include the complex network of historical routes that shaped its cultural significance. This study identifies three major route systems—Gyeongheung-ro, East Coast, and Yeongseo Inland—that functioned as linear heritage systems, integrating physical, historical, social, and cultural dimensions. These routes, documented through Joseon-period travel records, old maps, and modern tourism materials, mediated emotional experiences, literary memories, and artistic representation, offering a distinctive Korean form of route heritage. The research highlights the potential of these routes as a national heritage resource while addressing the impact of Korea’s division on place memory and cultural continuity. Future heritage efforts should focus on empirical investigation, integrated interpretation of diverse sources, and phased fieldwork.

Jong, H. J. (2026). Heritage Values and Research Agendas of the Routes to Mount Kumgang : An Approach from the Perspective of Cultural Routes. Institute for Kyeongki Cultural Studies, 47(1), 3–28. https://doi.org/10.26426/kcs.2026.47.1.3