Agenda for the Enculturation of the Urban Environment of Local Cities: The Korean Case

Abstract

A number of public actions initiated very recently by the Korean government seem to reflect a growing public concern about the quality of urban environment, particularly in the local cities, which has surfaced in the 1980' s. The major actions are summarized as follows: According to the Second Comprehensive Plan for National Land Development (1982~1991), fifteen major local cities with high centrality and growth potentialities are to be intensively developed as growth centers. Other local cities are to be developed in accordance with their inherent characteristics and potentialities, while discouraging two metropolises (Seoul and Pusan) from further expansion. Three potential growth centers (Taegu, Taejon and Kwangju) are encouraged to raise the level of their respective cultural facilities. The main points of the policy programs pursued by the Ministry of Culture and Information, and the Ministry of Home Affairs since 1983 are as follows: conservation and development of local cultures through the improvement of the cultural environment and enhancement of the pride of local people. Major action programs are to boost festival-like cultural affairs and events; foster local art organizations; improve cultural facilities; advance funds for local culture and art; enhance the working environment for local artists; conserve local cultural heritage.