Gyeongju, Gongju, Buyeo, and Iksan Invest 71.9 Billion Won Over 10 Years to Restore Ancient Capital Images

868 Projects for Hanok and Streetscape Improvements
76% of Gyeongju Visitors Enter Through Hwangridan-gil

Gyeongju Hwangridan-gil Panorama

The National Heritage Administration announced on November 18 that it has invested 71.9 billion won over the past ten years, from 2015 to last year, to support a total of 868 projects in the four ancient capitals of Gyeongju, Gongju, Buyeo, and Iksan. These projects included improvements to residential living spaces and streetscapes.

The "Ancient Capital Image Restoration Project" is based on the Special Act on the Preservation and Promotion of Ancient Capitals and aims to restore the historical and cultural landscapes of designated ancient capitals, as well as to recover the traditional image and identity of the cities. The project focuses on urban regeneration based on local cultural assets and improving residents' quality of life through the construction and repair of traditional hanok houses, streetscape improvements, and exterior renovations of buildings.

According to a comprehensive survey, the largest proportion of the projects was dedicated to hanok support, while streetscape improvement projects-such as the renovation of fences, gates, and building exteriors-were found to be the most cost-effective. Over the past ten years, 485 hanok improvement projects, 288 streetscape improvement projects, and 95 historical and cultural environment improvement projects have been supported.

Each ancient capital pursued its own unique initiatives. Gyeongju strengthened tourism infrastructure centered on hanok houses and Hwangridan-gil; Gongju emphasized traditional beauty with royal tomb landscapes and hanok corridors; Buyeo improved basic landscapes such as fences, rest areas, and signage; and Iksan focused on signage and building exterior renovations.

Resident satisfaction among beneficiaries increased from 76.8 points in 2017 to 90.9 points in 2023. However, a survey of 1,000 members of the general public showed that awareness of the Ancient Capital Image Restoration Project remained low at 30.68 points. The level of recognition that these areas are ancient capitals was also generally low: Gyeongju 62.28 points, Buyeo 52.98 points, Gongju 52.25 points, and Iksan 39.70 points. An official from the National Heritage Administration stated, "It seems necessary to strengthen public outreach efforts."

Panoramic View of Hwangridan-gil, Gyeongju Photo by Yonhap News

The Hwangnam-dong area of Gyeongju has been transformed into a popular destination known as Hwangridan-gil, thanks to the construction of hanok houses and streetscape improvements. It has become a major entry point visited by 76.2% of Gyeongju’s visitors, serving as a central axis connecting commercial districts and cultural heritage sites.

According to a cost-benefit analysis, the social benefits amounted to approximately 930 million won, while tourism-induced benefits reached about 170 billion won. The cost-benefit ratio was 2.43, demonstrating economic feasibility and showing positive effects in terms of revitalizing the local economy and creating social value. However, it was found that rational allocation of resources is needed to narrow the performance gap between ancient capitals and ensure balanced development.

An official from the National Heritage Administration stated, "We plan to continue improving residents' living environments and quality of life while creating attractive ancient capitals to revitalize the local economy and culture."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.