Effectiveness of Public Partnerships in Non-Urban Regeneration Projects in Korea: Seeing through Place-Keeping Theory

Abstract

This study conducted a holistic analysis of selected public-led regeneration projects carried out in different ways in rural and fishing villages in Korea, in line with current trends based on place-keeping theory, which reflects the long-term perspective of the project as a frame. This study identified the mechanisms and characteristics revealed in the planning process of the cases. Through an analysis of the discourse of the governing bodies, it also examined their perceptions and issues regarding the projects, finding that the different objectives of the projects and differences in the members leading the governance had different effects on the planning of the regeneration project. In this process, this study found distorted place-keeping elements: (1) The final design tends to be uniform rather than reflecting regional specificity. (2) As the investment in profit-making facilities was limited to one’s own expense, funding was limited. (3) Asymmetry of partnership occurred due to the local community’s insecurity following the adjustment of the plan. (4) In order to maintain a long-term governance system, a group of regionally friendly and responsible professionals was required.