지방외교와 문화외교 관점에서 본 한국 문화도시의 가능성과 발전 전략

Abstract

The advancement of globalization and digitalization in the 21st century has contributed to the erosion of the traditional state-centric international order, simultaneously elevating the political stature of cities and local governments. National governments, facing complex global crises such as climate change and political polarization, have demonstrated limited capacity for effective response. As a result, power is increasingly reconfigured along transnational and horizontal axes. Within this shifting landscape, cities have emerged as arenas of pragmatic problem-solving and political experimentation, drawing upon their cultural assets and institutional flexibility. In parallel, local governments have established themselves as key actors in the pursuit of sustainability and social innovation. In this context, local diplomacy has gained renewed relevance as a complementary layer to traditional state diplomacy. Theoretical frameworks such as parallel diplomacy and catalytic diplomacy underscore the growing autonomy of subnational actors and the development of multi-layered diplomatic ecosystems grounded in civic participation. Nonetheless, strategic coordination with the central government remains essential to ensure coherence and effectiveness in foreign policy. Concurrently, the evolution of public diplomacy into a soft power–oriented strategy has further amplified the role of local governments. By promoting regional cultures and sustainability agendas in international arenas, local governments are increasingly contributing to national foreign policy goals. Cultural diplomacy, a subfield of public diplomacy, supports the enhancement of national image and international cooperation. In recent years, it has expanded to emphasize reciprocal communication, participatory engagement, and the use of cultural storytelling and relational diplomacy—particularly through digital media platforms. Cultural cities have emerged as critical sites for the practice of cultural diplomacy, possessing the potential to serve as multi-dimensional and participatory platforms that complement state-led foreign policy. Against this theoretical and policy backdrop, this study examines the potential and strategic direction of Korea’s cultural cities within the frameworks of local and cultural diplomacy. Through a diachronic and synchronic analysis, the research systematically reviews relevant discourses and connects ideological, institutional, and policy-level debates concerning cultural cities in Korea. It aims to identify the vision and challenges faced by cultural cities as emerging platforms and innovation ecosystems for decentralized and participatory diplomacy in the Korean context.