Analyzing Stages and Power Relations of Community Participation in Cultural Heritage Utilization - A Case Study of Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon Using Arnstein's Ladder

A study analyzing community participation in the utilization of Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon, reveals that while resident involvement spans from non-participation to collaborative decision-making, administrative power structures dominate, leaving many residents structurally excluded. Only organized communities like village cooperatives occasionally reach meaningful participation, relying heavily on personal dedication and chance opportunities. Barriers include information monopolization through informal networks, lack of opinion channels, and insufficient institutional support for capacity-building. To address these issues, the research proposes three key strategies: improving participation structures with transparent processes, empowering residents through skill development and community-led governance, and strengthening intermediary support systems to foster collaborative governance.

Park, K., & Lee, J. (2026). Analyzing Stages and Power Relations of Community Participation in Cultural Heritage Utilization - A Case Study of Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon Using Arnstein’s Ladder. Journal of Region & Culture, 13(2), 137–165. https://doi.org/10.26654/iagc.2026.13.2.137