Cultural impact assessment refers to a system that assesses the impacts of plans and policies of a government or local government on citizens’ quality of life from a cultural perspective. The Gyeonggido Assembly has made every effort to adopt such a system of cultural impact assessment. Celebrating the publication of its first issue, GyeongGi Cultural Foundation’s had an interview with Mr. Yeom Jonghyun, chairman of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee at the Gyeonggido Assembly.

Mr. Yeom Jong-hyun(YEOM)   On this occasion of publishing the first issue of the , I would like to sincerely congratulate GyeongGi Cultural Foundation, Korea’s first cultural foundation that has taken the lead in strengthening arts and culture not only in Gyeonggi-do Province but also throughout Korea. First of all, I hope that the Bulletin successfully reflects the efforts made by Mr. Sul Won Gi, president of the Foundation, and its executives and staffs. I also expect that the Bulletin serves as a long-term, strategic channel contributing to raising awareness of Gyeonggi-do’s cultural policy and its globalization, thus becoming the Foundation’s white paper of cultural policy activities.

KIM   Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Now, could you please explain the system of cultural impact assessment, in which the Gyeonggi-do Assembly is interested?

YEOM   Korea has pursued development-oriented policy based on the paradigm of economic growth. Under these circumstances, experts have said that such policy has resulted in losing or destroying the precious value of culture, which has decisive impacts on citizens’ quality of life. In response to this, they have raised awareness of the fact that culture is not a secondary field for leisure and entertainment but also life’s essential element determining the identity of a country, people or local community. They also have said that cultural added value is an important factor contributing to economic growth. Despite such awareness, we would like to prevent the negative impacts of the policy of a government or local government such as infringement on the cultural right, destruction of cultural landscapes and loss of communities. This is to improve the quality of life of Gyeonggi-do’s residents, and to share and spread the value of culture in Korean society in a sustainable manner. That is why we would like to adopt the system of cultural impact assessment.

KIM   If Gyeonggi-do introduces this system, what effects do you think it will bring?

YEOM   Similar systems exist such as environmental impact assessment and traffic impact assessment. What differentiates cultural impact assessment is the fact that it is not a regulation like the two other assessment systems. Instead, cultural impact assessment provides a kind of consulting service when a government or local government is about to implement a policy. I believe that the system has the following effects. First, the system enables us to examine a site’s cultural resources, cultural ecosystem and residents’ cultural demand, enjoyment and participation in an objective manner. Second, it helps us listen to the opinions of residents, project participants and experts to have a better understanding of the current state and to encourage them to participate in policy-making. Third, policy suggestions made through the assessment can be reflected in the direction of policy improvement. So far, Korea has adopted development-oriented policy. Such policy has caused cultural damage and destroyed cultural heritage. Different regions show different patterns of damage. Under these circumstances, cultural experts’ consulting could help us design, make and use cultural space that reflects each region’s characteristics. We would then reflect the results of such consulting when planning and running relevant cultural programs.

KIM   What could be the challenges of adopting cultural impact assessment?

YEOM   The successful implementation of cultural impact assessment is expected to greatly change Korea’s local development plan, which used to be focused on economic efficiency. For example, when designing living and commercial space, we could consider adding space and programs helping residents enjoy culture or participate in daily cultural activities. We could also consider human resources that would be necessary for such space or programs. Moreover, local regeneration projects could take into account Korea’s precious cultural heritage and landscapes. In that case, each Korean region could protect its historical value, uniqueness and residents’ pride. This could contribute to increasing tourists and invigorating the local economy. However, cultural impact assessment must not become a stumbling block for other policies. In order to make sure that it strengthens the value and effectiveness of a given policy, it is very important to firmly set up the system at the beginning. First and foremost, we need to make diverse efforts such as training, promotion and forums in order to raise awareness of the purpose of the system. Afterward, we should continue to improve and complement assessment indicators and methods that are used for individual and comprehensive assessment.

KIM   Thank you. Lastly, could you tell us about your plan to run cultural impact assessment?

YEOM   As I mentioned before, cultural impact assessment is a system that analyzes and assesses impacts of the plans and policies of a government or local government on citizens’ quality of life from a cultural perspective. Last year, we received suggestions from the central administrative institution, local governments, experts and citizens to select 15 issues to assess. The central institution carried out cultural impact assessment for these policy projects and plans. In particular, Gyeonggi-do alone had three sites that were directly assessed (Gyeonggi-do’s bespoke maintenance project, construction of Gyeonggi-do’s new provincial office of communication and innovation, creation of a collaboration village for Gyeonggi-do’s young people (Siheung City)). Moreover, five sites in the province were assessed indirectly. In this context, Gyeonggi-do decided to establish a cultural impact assessment model customized to the province this year and launced the project in July. As soon as the province gets the results of the project, it will enact a relevant ordinance to form a basis for cultural impact assessment at the end of this year. Starting from next year, the province will select issues to assess and launch a pilot project of cultural impact assessment. As this system is new to the province, it will be important to raise awareness of its importance and to establish an effective plan to run the system. We will make efforts to develop a cultural impact assessment model reflecting the province’s local characteristics.

KIM   Mr. Chairman, thank you for the interview.

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