Publications
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.
Adolf Fischer’s Museum for East Asian Art in Cologne and Korean Art
Adolf Fischer’s Museum for East Asian Art in Cologne, established in 1913, stands as Europe's first dedicated museum specializing in East Asian art. Its collection of approximately 400 Korean art pieces is among the finest in Europe, reflecting Fischer's deep interest and extensive travels across East Asia during a period marked by German colonial expansion and Japanese imperialism. Fischer's fascination with East Asian culture, particularly Korean ceramics like Goryeo celadon, was shaped by his encounters with Japanese art at international exhibitions and his academic assignments in East Asia. His observations, however, were influenced by the cultural and political context of his time, including Japan's colonial rule over Korea. This study sheds light on Fischer's role as a bridge between German imperial aspirations and East Asian cultural narratives, offering a critical perspective on how Korean art was perceived and collected during this era.
Relationship between A Tale of the Tiger in Mount Kumgang and the Japanese Children’s Reading Space of Katei Bunko
A key insight from this study is the identification of shared narrative patterns between the Korean folktale 'A Tale of the Tiger in Mount Kumgang' and its Japanese adaptation within the Katei BUNKO children's reading space. Despite belonging to different narrative lineages, both versions exhibit similar behavioral analysis results due to the oral tradition's influence on storytelling. Further analysis revealed that while surface-level themes focus on justice (e.g., a father's revenge) and reading practices, deeper meanings revolve around regeneration narratives centered on female characters and oral cultural transmission. The study suggests that Katei BUNKO's reading spaces also serve as oral communication practices, bridging visual and auditory elements in children's literature.
A Study on Travel Notes of Visits to Mount Kumgang in “Religions of Shrines and Temples 1911”
A rare glimpse into the arduous journey to Mount Kumgang during Japan's colonial rule of Korea reveals the mountain as a formidable and perilous destination before modern infrastructure. Analyzing the 1911 travel logs from the 'Religions of Shrines and Temples' collection, researchers reconstructed the itineraries of colonial officials dispatched to investigate illegal logging amid severe flooding. The study identifies key personnel, examines the social impacts of the 1911 flood, and assesses the primitive state of communication infrastructure at the time. These findings underscore the challenging conditions faced by travelers in early 20th-century Korea, providing valuable historical insights into the region's natural and administrative challenges.
Curated Viewsheds— Landscape Planning and Design of the Mount Kumgang International Tourist Zone on the Korean Peninsula
Mount Kumgang, a historically significant cultural symbol on the eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula, spans both the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK). This study introduces a landscape planning approach for the Mount Kumgang International Tourist Zone, focusing on enhancing sightseeing experiences through a visual network system. The design leverages traditional Korean artistic techniques, such as those found in Geumgang Jeondo and the 1939 'Panorama Map of Diamond Mountain,' combined with computer-generated graphics to address challenges like limited data and field survey difficulties. Two material models were developed to aid in understanding site design concepts. The proposed strategies aim to improve future development while preserving the region's rich natural and cultural heritage, offering a model for balanced regional growth.
Peace through Tourism
This edited volume investigates the dual relationship between peace and tourism, examining how tourism can both promote peace and be influenced by it. It presents case studies from diverse regions, including Mount Kumgang in South Korea, Palestine, Timor Leste, India, Japan, Australia, Kenya, and Jerusalem, to explore the potential of 'peace tourism' as a tool for ecological democracy, human rights advocacy, and social justice. The research employs qualitative methods, such as critical analysis and case study approaches, to assess both the benefits and drawbacks of peace tourism, including its potential for exploitation and the challenges it faces in conflict zones. A key finding is that while peace tourism can foster international citizenship and awareness-raising, its effectiveness depends on ethical frameworks and local community involvement.
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