Derivation Method of Architectural Asset Value Enhancement Zones in South Korea

Abstract

In June 2014, South Korea enacted a law to systematically preserve and utilize architectural assets to strengthen national competitiveness through the enhancement of architectural culture. An architectural asset value enhancement zone (AAVE) can be designated for an area in which a unique spatial environment has been created, centered on excellent architectural assets or in which architectural assets are densely concentrated. However, five years after the law was promulgated, while 14 local governments had completed basic investigations of architectural assets, only three had been designated as AAVE zones (as of March 2020). This is because the criteria for non-Hanok architectural assets are unclear, making it difficult to specify the scope of designation. This study aims to present and verify a methodology for deriving more effective AAVE zones. After establishing the criteria for architectural asset candidates, densely populated areas across the country were identified using GIS. Subsequently, a methodology was derived to classify candidate areas for the enhancement zone, based on the locations of these densely populated areas and designated/registered cultural heritage sites. The effectiveness of the methodology was reviewed through an actual area analysis, which indicated that the methodology is highly applicable to AAVE zones.