유네스코 세계유산을 활용한지역 창생과 한일관계 —OUV 해석 차를 중심으로—

Abstract

This paper aims to clarify the meaning of UNESCO’s cultural heritage and outstanding universal value (OUVs) labels, which Japan has focused on in the global society, and determine why the differences in interpreting OUVs are spreading into conflicts between countries. Historical products and intangibles of certain countries that have been classified as having OUV and registered by UNESCO as cultural heritage sites embody the identity of society. In this respect, the value perception of cultural heritage varies depending on the subject and perspective and thus, can be an element of collectivism and mutual conflict. The differences between the interpretation of OUVs classified by UNESCO as cultural heritage sites with such elements of mutual conflict are expanding into a phenomenon of international conflict. Japan was the first country in East Asia to experience the economic benefits and soft power effects of the cultural heritage label. Economic development after defeat in World War II and the rise of diplomatic power in the international community were simultaneous global cultural heritage projects. After experiencing positive effects in the international community through cultural heritage-related projects, Japan has actively utilized cultural heritage as part of regional revitalization policies. The government has promoted regional development policies to promote domestic tourism caused by the “international recognition” provided by UNESCO. However, the plan to create a region utilizing cultural heritage, which has been expanding its persuasive power within Japanese society, is now expanding into an international conflict. Given that Japan’s historical revisionism, which is at the center of the South Korea-Japan relationship, is spreading to UNESCO’s cultural heritage registration process and regional creation plan, resolving the worsening relationship is an important task.