Changdeok Palace in South Korea - Essay Example

Article summary Student’s Name University Affiliation Introduction The article summary is based on the Changdeok Palace in South Korea, which is a good symbol of how cultural production plays a lead role sustaining national solidarity. Such historic sites amass a great wealth of the shared national memories that have taken a new level of perception and re-appropriation in the postmodern society. Ideally, the article under study was principally concerned about how heritage tourism, as a symbol of national belonging could be reconstructed and communicated. Unofficial narratives and individual interpretation are vital in affirming and articulating national sentiments, especially from the perspective of personal encounters, typified by subjective and emotional nature. Research methods used The study was conducted with the aid of various ethnographic approaches, which included friendly engagements and in-depth interviews with the palace staff and domestic tourists. Interviews and friendly conversations were the best research methods because the researchers were interested in accessing information on individual dimensions of heritage rather than physical assets. A multi-method or qualitative approach was used to collect and analyze information concerning the palace. In addition, both observational and participatory techniques were applied to collect data. Theoretical framework Theoretical framework utilized in the research was based on ethnographic approach. Firsthand information acquired via interviews and friendly conversations were compared with existing literature. Ethnographic approach led to analysis of the socio-psychological past of the nation with the help of historic sites. Literature review The literature used in the study illuminated on the vitality of culture in acting as a core element of national representation, especially when it is attached to symbolic foundation. In most cases, historic features are associated with a sense of belonging because they are grounded on collective memories. On the other hand, it is important to understand that collective memories emanate from individual memories, which are also affected by various factors. Collective memories are made up of countless symbols, myths and personal perceptions that form the epicenter of a nation by fortifying its national sovereignty. The concept of heritage has evoked numerous debates owing to the manner in which the society has transformed, leading to change in perceptions and attachment to historic sites. According to Macdonald (2006, p. 11), heritage is a ‘material testimony of identity’ meaning that it is a discourse and collection of practices about substantiality, persistence and continuity of collective identity. The concept of heritage goes beyond tangible assets represented by past sites and artifacts. Many researchers have pointed out that heritage covers the intangible elements of a society. In other words, heritage covers various spiritual embodiments and symbolic meanings based on material and tangible remnants of the past. In light of the statements, heritage tourism can be said to be a product of material and socio-psychological remnants of a nation’s past. Without considering both material and socio-psychological elements, then it would not be possible to understand culture. Numerous academic literatures have noted the fundamental reasons positioning heritage as a model of social identities. Proponents of the line of thought believe that social identity is manifest because heritage institutions play a fundamental role in representing and enhancing national identities. Notably, the role played by heritage institutions may be unofficial, informal, formal or official. Main ideas of the article The Changdeok palace, which is interpreted to mean the ‘palace of prosperity’, is situated in Seoul, South Korea. It has been identified as a heritage resource for the people of the Republic of Korea because of its vast historical significance. To begin with, the palace is thought to have been established in 1405 during the reign of King T’aejong of the Joseon Dynasty. The palace was known as the ‘East Palace’ and was the most favored residential place of subsequent generations of the Joseon Dynasty. The last monarch of the Joseon Dynasty known as King Sunjong resided in the palace until his death in 1926. The UNESCO designated that Changdeok palace a World Heritage Site in 1997 because it was recognized as a fascinating depiction of architecture and garden design used in ancient Far Eastern builders. In the article, the term ethnic homogeneity was used in relation to the Korea people because they maintained a stunning record of embracing their original ethnic and cultural identity. Historically, Korea experienced numerous invasions, leading to introduction of other cultural elements into their system. Despite the threats posed by new cultural elements, the Koreans managed to recapture their ethno-history and culture, which always determined their identity. Their identity has been unique because original ethnic and cultural elements were preserved throughout the generations. Basic characteristics, such as national consciousness, shared history, blood ties and language remained unchanged over the years. From the article, it was clear that Korean people are truly proud of their cultural and ethnic heritage. All Koreans, whether from the South or North commonly apply many ethnic assertions to bring out their love for their culture and family heritage. Many Korean citizens normally boast on family lineage on the Peninsula spanning hundreds of years. Their pride is closely associated with cultural homogeneity because Koreans consider themselves as a homogenous race. The belief and pride intertwined to form a homogenous nation, thereby unifying the nation’s identity and culture. The unification of Korean ethnic and cultural elements has played a key role in handling issues related with foreign invasion and national crises. Some researchers have labeled the country as the most homogenous nation in the world because there is no immense difference in racial and linguistic elements, leading to coinciding nationality and ethnicity. Unlike other people, Koreans feel self-conscious because they can differentiate themselves from other nations of the world. The Changdeok palace plays a fundamental role in enhancing Korean attachment to their culture and ethnic history because it is a symbol of traditional system. Many Koreans admit that the palace enable them to feel connected with their ancestral roots. Researchers tend to agree that a gap exists between conceptual comprehension and application of the terms ‘national identity’ and ‘nationalism’ because of their sophisticated and multifarious characteristics. Importantly, national identity and nationalism are products of culture and historical perspectives, thus vastly affected by numerous changes existing in altering contexts and situations. Current research need to different attributes associated with fast-changing values and norms of contemporary society and culture. Conclusion In conclusion, the Changdeok palace is a true representation of the Korean ethnic and cultural traditions from two perspectives. To begin with, its tangible elements portray vast information concerning ancient practices, culture and traditions. On the other hand, the attachment that Korean people have developed with the monumental structure assist in unearthing the socio-psychological use of the palace. The palace assists the Koreans to gain a good attachment with their ethnic history. From the research, it can be pointed out that Korean people are unique because of their homogeneous nature. Unified cultural elements, including language, way of life, history has always played an instrumental part in bringing citizens together, especially during foreign invasion and national disasters. Read More