An exhibition marking the 150th anniversary of independence leader Kim Koo’s birth was observed by visitors at the 2026 Seoul International Book Fair, held at Coex in southern Seoul on June 24.
On Monday, Korean heritage officials and policy specialists convened to discuss how cultural assets could serve as a basis for global cooperation and peace. Their discussions revisited independence leader Kim Koo’s concept of a nation empowered by its culture.
The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) hosted an international academic conference titled “World Heritage Governance and Realizing a Cultural Powerhouse: Kim Koo’s Vision of Cultural Power and Policy Directions.” This event, co-organized with the Korean Association for Policy Studies, took place at BEXCO in Busan.
This conference served as an official ancillary event for the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
Participants at the event explored Kim’s conviction that robust cultural foundations could foster a nation capable of contributing to global peace and prosperity.
Kim, a key figure in Korea’s independence struggle, articulated his desire for a country defined by its cultural power, stressing that cultural influence held significance beyond mere political or economic might.
The conference comprised two distinct sessions, which included presentations and dialogues from both domestic and international experts specializing in heritage policy and sustainable management.
The initial session concentrated on prospective heritage strategies, particularly exploring the application of artificial intelligence and digital transformation to broaden global heritage endeavors.
Among the speakers was Park Kwang-kook from the Catholic University of Korea. Discussions also featured contributions from experts such as Bae Soo-ho of Sungkyunkwan University, Hwang Seok-jun of Kongju National University, Kim Dong-hyun of the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, and Lukasz Potepa of Spacia.AI.
The subsequent session investigated the connections between Kim’s cultural vision, contemporary heritage policies, and the worldwide expansion of Korean heritage.
Presentations delved into the independence leader’s cultural principles and his enduring policy legacy. They also explored the formulation of national heritage policies drawing inspiration from his outlook.
The KHS announced that the conference was broadcast live on its YouTube channel. This allowed the general public to access the discussions, even with restricted in-person attendance for registered attendees, speakers, panelists, and international delegates.
Both the KHS and the Korean Association for Policy Studies stated their intention to further develop policies aimed at increasing access to national heritage and reinforcing Korea’s aspiration to be a cultural powerhouse.
