Korea reimagines its independence ideals as tool for modern diplomacy

Korea’s heritage officials and policy experts gathered Monday to explore how cultural assets can become a foundation for global cooperation and peace, revisiting independence leader Kim Koo’s vision of a nation strengthened by culture.

The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) held the World Heritage Governance and Realizing a Cultural Powerhouse: Kim Koo’s Vision of Cultural Power and Policy Directions, an international academic conference jointly organized with the Korean Association for Policy Studies, at BEXCO in Busan.

The conference was an official side event of the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

The event examined Kim’s belief that cultural strength could help create a nation that contributes to peace and prosperity around the world.

Kim, a prominent figure in Korea’s independence movement, expressed his aspiration for a country with the power of culture and emphasized the importance of cultural influence beyond political and economic strength.

The conference was divided into two sessions featuring presentations and discussions by domestic and international e ...