Advanced Science and Technology Letters
Vol.143 (AST 2017), pp.11-15
http://dx.doi.org/10.14257/astl.2017.143.03
Making Interactive Map of South Korea’s Ecomuseums
with Assessment Criteria for Humane Information
Dong-uk Im1, Jong Oh Lee1
1
Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, 107 Imun-ro, 02450 Seoul, South Korea
[email protected], [email protected]
Abstract. Synchronic and diachronic data is used with the help of GIS,
interactive map and visual effect. But it cannot be simultaneously loaded on
paper map. Extra process is needed to handle intangible humane information
like identity, memory and know-how, when making map of ecomuseums which
dynamically preserve life zone and life style of inhabitants. To reflect the
past(history) and present(situation) conditions of ecomuseums in Korea,
classified into seven types, is possible in conventional ways. To predict the
possibility of successful future, as seen from recent example of solidarity-type
ecomuseum with multiple local governments, suitable assessment criteria for
each ecomuseum is needed.
Keywords: ecomuseum, Korea, GIS, interactive map, assessment criteria
1 Reflecting Humane Information on GIS Map
Most decisions after human activities have geographic consequences. The
cartography has been suggested as more precise tools and ways to understand and
solve the geographic problems. Map, as a resulting product, depends on synchronic
analysis method which records natural conditions and human activities occurring on
specific time. The nature and humans shows various changes with the course of time,
so we need also diachronic analysis method.
GIS(geographic information system) helps understanding of geographical
problems through including diachronic changes which cannot be all loaded on paper
map. Longley(2011) classified three types geographical problems on the basis of time
scale: operational(short-term), tactical(medium-term) and strategic(long-term). This
kind of diachronic analysis produces successful solutions when combining with
dynamic simulation modeling. But one thing has to be added: nonmaterial humane
information. 'Regional identity', among them, is regarded as a core mental element of
regional community and passes over existing limitation of geographical divisions.
Rubenstein(2012) distinguished three types of region in human geography:
functional region, formal region and perceptual region. Perceptual region is an area in
which the habitants believe as a part of cultural identity. It can be comprehended
through informal sentiment, while functional and formal region is analysed with
quantitative calculation. The center point of perceptual region isn't set only by the
influence of natural terrain or administrative infrastructure but also regardless of those
ISSN: 2287-1233 ASTL
Copyright © 2017 SERSC
Advanced Science and Technology Letters
Vol.143 (AST 2017)
elements. Two villages can be at feud in disregard of spatial proximity or share the
homogeneity in spite of physical distance.
Thus extra assessment criteria is needed when handling humane geographical
information altered by topographical, administrative and cultural criteria, even when
making map by connecting plural associated regions. The process of verifying and
reflecting local identities has to be applied to building maps based on GIS. Interactive
map, not paper map, is encouraged as the shape of result.
Making map of Korean ecomuseums, which dynamically preserve traditional mode
of life of the village inhabitants, is the representative example. This study is meant to
discuss about assessment criteria of handling humane information used for modeling
dynamic simulation based on GIS.
2
Current Situation of Ecomuseums in Korea
Ecomuseum is a new concept of preserving the whole life zone and lifestyle of
inhabitants, unlike conventional museum concept captured in a building.
Rivard(1984) distinguished between traditional museum and ecomuseum as below:
• Traditional Museum = building + heritage + collections + expert staff + public visitors;
• Ecomuseum = territory + heritage + memory + population.
Davis(2009) pointed that ecomuseum has been linked to the 'new museology',
which has shown a concept shift from the 'museum of objects' to the 'museum of
ideas'. The term 'ideas' means intangible resources that humans have: identity,
memory, know-how, etc.
After ecomuseum concept was once introduced in Korea, various attempts has
continued all over the country. Ecomuseums in Korea now can be categorized into the
following 7 types:
(1) historic and cultural heritage;
(2) industrial heritage;
(3) theme park;
(4) urban regeneration;
(5) natural environment;
(6) rural community;
(7) art community.
First is the 'historic and cultural heritage type'. Key examples include Yongin Folk
Village and Andong Hahoe Village, Suncheon Naganeupseong Village Museum,
Eunpyung Hanok Village, Hongseong Town, Ulsan Oegosan Onggi Village,
Tongilchon Village, Jeonju Hanok Village.
The second type focuses on 'industrial heritage'. Well known examples include
Taebaek Cheoram Villageum project and Sinan Jeungdo Salt Village.
The third type is 'theme park', which includes Yongin Folk Village, and Yeongju
Classical Scholar Village, is a theme-park typed ecomuseum or in some ways an open
air museum.
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Copyright © 2017 SERSC
Advanced Science and Technology Letters
Vol.143 (AST 2017)
Fourth is 'city regeneration' type. Some examples include Ihwa-dong Village
Museum, Ikseondong Ecomuseum, Bukchon Hanok Village, Daejeon Village
Museum, Samseon-dong Jangsu Village, Busan Gamcheon Town, Incheon
Yonghyeondong Town Museum and Busan Soyoung Cultural Village.
The fifth type is about 'natural environment'. Suncheon bay, Jeonnam Migratory
Birds Protected Area, Paju DMZ Ecomuseum, Gapyeong Ecological Park,
Changnyeong Upo Wetland Ecological Park, Chungju Judeok Ecological Park,
Juwang Mountain National Park are this type.
The sixth type is about 'rural community'. Included in this category are Jeju Gasiri
Horse Museum, Wanju Community Business, Jinan Baekunmyeon Ecomuseum,
Icheon Buramee Town, Hakseonri Village Museum, Samchuk Galnam Village
Museum, Jinan Wonyunjang Village, Yeosu Dolsan Gat-kimchi Town, Wonobong
Village Jeongeup, Nonsan Cheonho Village.
Seventh is 'Art Community' type. The most well-known Paju Heiri Village, Icheon
Sindunmyeon Pottery Workshop Areas, Jeju Island Artists Community, including an
artists community in Naju.
Nevertheless, ecomuseums have not always been so successful in Korea. Analysis
of the failures show that there are largely 3 reasons that caused them to fail;
(1) lack of understanding on the concept;
(2) passive attitude of civil servants working in the region;
(3) conflict amongst the residents over financial benefits.
Hence Bae et als.(2016) has suggested development of 6 assessment criteria to
evaluate Korea's own ecomuseum.
(1) how much financial support is local community receiving from its superior agency? How
economically self sufficient is it;
(2) can it maintain its zone of life unaided without any direct connection with the central
government? Are local residents in the area culturally self-sufficient;
(3) in case the region cannot stand alone, is it trying to connect and cooperate with nearby
local government? Are they making mutual efforts based on sustainable development;
(4) if ancient housings are to be preserved, are residents clearly offered economic profits
through a compensation system;
(5) does private museums in the region interact with local people;
(6) are ecomuseums of different regions attempting to connect?
Within this criteria, we can find a consideration when making map of Korea’s
ecomuseums: describing current situation with natural terrain or administrative
infrastructure is not enough. Thus two different tracks, both synchronic and
diachronic approaches, and interactive map with dynamic simulation modeling are
equally needed.
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Advanced Science and Technology Letters
Vol.143 (AST 2017)
3
Considering Traits of Ecomuseums for Making Interactive
Map
Interactive map shows dynamic visual effects according to user's various demands.
Dynamic simulation model with synchronic and diachronic approach is first needed
for implementing this kind of map. This process can be arranged by three modules:
past(history), present(situation) and future(solidarity).
• past(history) : describe the developing stages of Korea's ecomuseums
• present(situation) : show the location and character of ecomuseums scattered all over the
country
• future(solidarity) : analyse the possibility of solidarity among adjacent ecomuseums with
similar conditions
Especially when implementing the third module of future(solidarity), intangible
resources and humane information like identity, memory, know-how, etc., has to be
handled as qualitative data. Because we have to distinguish between similarities and
differences of certain ecomuseums, and also clearly differentiate improvement
capable from features to conserve.
It is rather easy to use conventional ways of making map, when reflecting past and
present condition of ecomuseums. But to calculate the possibility of successful
solidarity, it is encouraged to introduce the assessment criteria for Korea's
ecomuseums as mentioned earlier.
Fig. 1. Structure of interactive map for Korea’s ecomuseum using synchronic and diachronic
data
Recently, new kind of ecomuseum with a large area began to appear in Korea.
Representative example is Gyeonggi Bay Ecomuseum, in which three local
governments, Ansan city, Hwaseong city and Shiheung city, solid arize with sharing
historical, cultural and natural resources. Also
Imsil
district
is
creating
Seomjingang River Ecomuseum connect Seomjin-gang river, length of 225km, and
Okjeong-ho lake, surface of 763㎢.
If this solidarity-type of ecomuseum could be the desirable future direction, it is
equally encouraged to observe whole life zone and lifestyle of inhabitants, to reflect it
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Copyright © 2017 SERSC
Advanced Science and Technology Letters
Vol.143 (AST 2017)
on making departmental maps and also to apply the assessment criteria for analysing
unique features of each ecomusem.
Fig. 2. Gyeonggiman Bay Ecomuseum(above) and Seomjingang River Ecomuseum(below) as
solidarity-type ecomuseums
References
1. Bae, E.S., Im, D.-U., Lee, J.O,: The status and perspective of Korean ecomuseums, In:
Forum of Ecomuseums and Community Museums, 24th General Conference of ICOM
Milano (2016)
2. Davis, P.,: Ecomuseums and the representation of place, In: Rivista Geografica Italiana
116.4, pp.483--503 (2009)
3. De Varine, H.,: L’Ecomusée, In: La gazette : L’Association des Musées Canadiens, vol. 11
no. 2, pp.27--40 (1978)
4. Krygier, J., Wood, D.,: Making Maps: A Visual Guide to Map Design for GIS, 2nd ed.,
Guilford Press (2011)
5. Longley P. A. et als.,: Geographic Information Systems and Science, 2nd ed., John Wiley &
Sons (2005)
6. Rivard, R.: Que le musée s'ouvre... ou vers une nouvelle muséologie: les écomusées et les
musées 'ouverts’, Quebec (1984)
7. Rubenstein, J. et als.,: Introduction to Contemporary Geography, Pearson (2012)
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