A Strategy for the Nomination of Joseon-Period Byeolseo for Inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List: A Serial Property Approach

초록

Background and objective: Byeolseo (別墅, Korean traditional private garden pavilions), created by seonbi (Confucian literati) during theJoseon dynasty, represent a distinctive typology within traditional Korean garden heritage. These byeolseo gardens embody aharmonious integration of nature-oriented spatial composition with poetry, prose, and commemorative inscriptions, expressingConfucian ideals of seclusion and self-cultivation. This study examined three byeolseo designated as Scenic Sites by the KoreaHeritage Service—Soswaewon in Damyang, Yun Seon-do's Garden on Bogil Island (also known as Buyong-dong Garden), andBaegundong Garden in Gangjin. From an institutional perspective, it analyzed the structural principles that underpin their potentialOutstanding Universal Value (OUV), the core criterion for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and assesses the feasibilityof nomination as a serial property. Drawing on insights from both domestic and international World Heritage inscription cases, this studyproposed a strategic framework to support the serial nomination of Joseon-period byeolseo. Methods: The analytical framework is grounded in the criteria for OUV as articulated in the Operational Guidelines for theImplementation of the World Heritage Convention, incorporating the key conditions of authenticity and integrity as well as therequirements for serial properties. In addition, a comparative analysis of existing serial World Heritage properties, both domestic andinternational, was undertaken to identify the relative value of byeolseo and to formulate strategies for articulating their distinctivenessas a unique cultural heritage typology. Results: Drawing upon evaluative structures derived from both domestic and international World Heritage inscription cases, anassessment framework was formulated in sequential order—criterion, attributes, supporting evidence, and interpretation. Applicationof this framework to the three byeolseo sites demonstrates that the evaluative procedure can be systematically repeated andinterpreted with consistency. The three byeolseo share core characteristics grounded in Neo-Confucian ideals of reclusion, literarycultivation, and communion with nature, embodied in topography-responsive design principles centered on pavilions, waterways, andvegetation. At the same time, each site exhibits distinctive spatial strategies. Soswaewon presents a two-tiered compositionstructured along a stream flowing through a mountain valley; Baegundong Garden is organized around a meandering watercourse andthe Twelve Scenic Views; and Buyong-dong Garden is composed around the Seyeonji Pond and articulated into three spatial zones. These attributes collectively meet multiple dimensions of authenticity as defined in the Operational Guidelines for the Implementationof the World Heritage Convention. Moreover, the functional and thematic complementarity among the three gardens reinforces theoverall integrity required for inscription as a serial property. With regard to inscription criteria, Criterion (iii), which concerns exceptionaltestimony to a cultural tradition, appears most directly applicable. Criterion (v) may be partially relevant in light of the residential andcreative functions embodied in certain sites. In addition, the typological value under Criterion (iv) and the literary and artisticassociations recognized under Criterion (vi) are substantiated through comparative analysis with relevant international examples. Conclusion: The byeolseo sites exemplify the systematic integration of retreat culture, social interaction, and literary traditions ofJoseon scholars within the spatial compositions. These attributes provide strong support for Criterion (iii), offering exceptionaltestimony to a living cultural tradition. Moreover, such characteristics underpin the fulfillment of OUV and the requirements forinscription as a serial property. The design ideologies, and literary practices documented in historical sources ensure thematiccoherence across the three byeolseo gardens, while their complementary relationships establish a solid foundation for coordinatedmanagement and interpretive strategies post-inscription. For future World Heritage nomination, it is essential to broaden the range ofcomponent parts representing various byeolseo types, enhance the documentation-based verification system of their cultural values,and develop an integrated management model in collaboration with local communities. This study provides a theoretical basis to guidethese strategic directions.

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