Programmes

    Heritage Interpretation and Attribute Identification

    • Since the adoption of the World Heritage Convention in 1972, the need to recognize the diverse values of heritage and the changes in those values has been increasing. Accordingly, there is a growing trend to understand the different perspectives of various people regarding which aspects of heritage they recognize its value in, and to convey these values in a balanced way. It is specified that, starting from the preliminary evaluation stage introduced in 2028, authenticity and integrity must be supported as attributes that convey and express the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the heritage.
    • In this context, we examined the concepts of attributes and values within the World Heritage system and extracted the attributes of Korea’s 15 World Heritage sites. We aimed to understand how the extraction of attributes influences heritage interpretation, where the public forms meaning about heritage. Based on this, we ultimately seek to present guidelines for the method of attribute extraction for heritage interpretation. 

    Objective


    The project aims to develop a methodology of identifying attributes which understands truthful values of heritage and their attributes while providing a profound ingredient for interpretive narratives through participatory approach.

    Person in Charge


    • Hyeonji Kong, hj.kong@unesco-whipic.org
    • Period: 2022 – Present
    • Status: In process

    Contributiors


    2023

    • Gamini Wijesuriya | Senior Advisor of ICCROM
    • Sarah Court | Independent heritage specialist
    • Peter Shadie | Senior Advisor of World Heritage Programme, IUCN
    • Mario Santana Quintero | Professor of Carleton University

    2024

    • Gamini Wijesuriya | Former Staff member of ICCORM
    • Sarah Court | Independent heritage specialist
    • Peter Shadie | Senior Advisor of World Heritage Programme, IUCN
    • Jon Day | Senior Research Fellow of James Cook University
    • Jessica Brown | CEO of New England Biolab Foundation
    • NG Boon Nee | Department Manager of Cultural Heritage Research and Development of GTWHI
    • Neel Kamal Chapagain | Professor of Cultural Heritage Management Centre, Ahmedabad University

    Research Progress


    YearResearch progressStatus
    2022

    Basic Study on the Attributes of the World Heritage Sites of Korea(2022)

    • Study on the basic concept of attribute and its relation to integrity, authenticity and OUV
    • Identification of the attributes of the World Heritage sites in Korea through SOUV analysis
    Complete
    2023

    Study on the Concept of Attributes in the World Heritage Context(2023)

    • Study on the concept and potential roles of attributes in the World Heritage context through the analysis of Resource Manuals
    • Drawing up the direction for developing attribute identification methodology for heritage interpretation
    Complete
    2024Basic study on developing a methodology of attribute identification
    • Study on the relations between interpretation, meaning-making and attribute identification
    • Drafting a attribute identification procedure for heritage interpretation and value/attribute listing table
    In process

    Publications


    Report on the Basic Study on the Attributes of the World Heritage sites of Korea(2022)

    Research Report of World Heritage and Interpretation Policy: Identifying Attributes as Heritage Interpretation (2023)