Continuing conflicts in cultural development: a review of the conflict history surrounding the Asia Culture Center

Abstract

ABSTRACT Based on longitudinal research that began in 2008, this study examines the history of the conflicts surrounding the development of the Asia Culture Center (ACC) in Gwangju, Korea, through documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews. The ACC is a main facility of the Hub City of Asian Culture project, a large cultural investment in Korea. Although the ACC began with the ambition to be a cultural window into Asia, it has encountered several conflicts during the development process. This paper investigates the landmark debate, the heritage site preservation controversy, and the centre’s lack of leadership. It identifies that the project must appreciate the unique local circumstances, including the 5·18 Gwangju Democratisation Movement, to better understand the discussions and arguments around its heritage and the ACC. It also highlights the need for proper communication among stakeholders, who have fundamentally different expectations of the ACC due to their different interests.