Final Report Meeting Held for “Finding the Identity of Hanam City’s History”
Six Key Strategies Announced, Including Resident Participation-Based Governance and Expansion of Dedicated Departments
Choi Hoonjong: “Leaping Forward as a ‘Living Cultural City’ by Discovering ‘Hanam-ness’ Together with Citizens”
The Hanam City Council research group “Finding the Identity of Hanam City’s History” (led by Choi Hoonjong) held the final report meeting for the research project “Sustainable Management and Utilization Strategies for Hanam City’s Historical and Cultural Heritage” on the 4th.
The Hanam City Council research group "Finding the Identity of Hanam City's History" held the final research service report meeting on the 4th. Photo by Hanam City Council
At the final report meeting, more than 20 participants, including Choi Hoonjong as the head representative, vice-representative Park Sunmi, Im Heedo, Kang Seongsam, and other members of the research group, as well as Dr. Kim Jangwon, the lead researcher from the Korea Industrial Economics Research Institute (headed by Jang Hyunwoo), the organization responsible for the research project, gathered to share research outcomes and discuss future directions.
This study focused on systematically investigating and analyzing historical and cultural heritage across Hanam City, comparing and reviewing outstanding domestic and international cases and policy environments, and proposing mid- to long-term policy directions. In particular, emphasis was placed on strengthening citizen participation and establishing management and utilization models that leverage advanced technology.
During the final report meeting, six major strategies were presented and discussed: △ establishing governance based on resident participation; △ improving the policy foundation, such as the Cultural Heritage Protection Act and local heritage protection ordinances, expanding dedicated departments, and increasing professional personnel to strengthen legal, institutional, and organizational structures; △ building digital management and experience platforms using advanced technology; △ securing and managing diverse funding sources, including national and provincial grant projects, private investment (ESG), and crowdfunding; △ developing Hanam-specific storytelling and content, such as “From Wirye to the Future”; and △ improving systems for performance management, benchmarking, and expanding citizen participation to respond to future challenges.
The research team emphasized, “Going forward, Hanam City should incorporate these directions into its actual policies and emerge as a nationwide innovation model and a leading future-oriented cultural city in the field of cultural heritage management and utilization.” They added, “The city should become a beloved community for all citizens and leap forward as a ‘living cultural city’ full of pride.”
Choi Hoonjong, the head representative, stated, “This research was carried out to seek mid- to long-term policy directions aimed at preserving Hanam’s unique history and place names, which are disappearing due to rapid urban growth and new town development, and to establish an urban identity where the past, present, and future coexist.”
Choi Hoonjong further expressed, “Historical and cultural heritage is not just a legacy of the past to be preserved; it is a future asset that enhances citizens’ pride and the city’s competitiveness. I hope the results of this research will be meaningfully reflected in Hanam City’s policies and become an opportunity for the city to grow together with its citizens as a ‘living cultural city.’”
Meanwhile, “Finding the Identity of Hanam City’s History” (led by Choi Hoonjong) plans to closely cooperate with Hanam City based on the research findings from this final report meeting, to develop effective policies and establish a sustainable system for managing and utilizing historical and cultural heritage together with citizens.
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