HERITAGE KOREA
SOLUZIONIMUSEALI ims participates in Heritage Korea 2024: a journey to discover Korean cultural heritage
24/10/2024
Editorial
This summer, we were invited to take part in Heritage Korea 2024, a cultural event held in Gyeongju, South Korea. As members of the Italian delegation, we had the opportunity to meet numerous organizations that, like us, are dedicated to enhancing cultural heritage.
During our trip, as always, we took the opportunity to explore as many museums and cultural sites as possible. This allowed us to discover new projects and innovative approaches in managing and promoting historical heritage. Here are some insights we want to share with you!
1. A journey into the past: traditional clothing and historical sites
While visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace and many other historical sites, we noticed a fascinating tradition: it is very common to see people of all ages, including foreigners, wearing a hanbok, the traditional Korean garment. An interesting aspect is that visitors wearing hanbok can enter historical sites for free, making the experience even more engaging and accessible.
This initiative not only creates an immersive atmosphere for visitors but also supports numerous local shops that rent traditional clothing. Could this idea work in Italy? Who knows, maybe visiting the Royal Palace of Caserta in period costumes could be an experience that would attract many!
2. Digital atmosphere in Korean museums
Another aspect that impressed us is the increasing use of digital technologies in Korean museums. Many of the companies we met at Heritage Korea are working on projects that integrate multimedia and digital elements into museums. It’s not just about interactive experiences, but creating a true atmosphere through sounds, music, and videos that accompany the collection without overshadowing it.
3. The role of the museum bookshop
In South Korea, as in many other places, the bookshop plays a central role in museums. As we have often emphasized, the bookshop is the last space visitors pass through, leaving a significant impact on their overall experience.
What we learned in Korea is that many visitors are drawn to the museum by the gadgets and handcrafted products inspired by the exhibited works. This was confirmed by the presence of numerous artisans at Heritage Korea who were offering museums objects made using traditional techniques. Offering these products can make the bookshop a place where the cultural journey continues through items not too different from those on display. Carefully and creatively curating these gadgets can be a creative way to connect with visitors and continue the museum’s educational mission.
4. Social media and visitor engagement
Another key element is the use of social media in cultural spaces. We observed how many Korean museums and parks not only carefully curate their spaces but also identify the best locations for taking photos. These marked areas allow visitors to capture spectacular images without disrupting the flow of the visit. In this way, museums actively engage visitors online, promoting their spaces organically through social media.
With these insights, we hope to inspire new reflections on the enhancement of cultural heritage.