The "2024 Hwasun International Forum on Dolmen Tourism Revitalization" will be held in Hwasun, hosted by Hwasun County (Governor Koo Bok-gyu) from October 18 to 19, 2024. Organized by the International Cultural Heritage Strategy Center, with co-partnership from international cultural enterprise Culture Masters and Rosality Co., Ltd., the forum commemorates the selection of Mosan Village as a "Best Tourism Village" by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This significant international event will focus on promoting regional tourism and exploring strategies for preserving cultural heritage, particularly the dolmens as a World Heritage Site.
The Value of Hwasun’s Dolmen as a World Heritage
Hwasun is home to dolmen sites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which serve as significant historical relics offering a glimpse into prehistoric human life and culture. The forum will feature in-depth discussions on how the historical and cultural value of these dolmens can be linked to local tourism and economic revitalization.
Hwasun County has been making efforts to establish a sustainable tourism model centered around the dolmen sites, and the forum is expected to be a meaningful event that seeks a balance between preservation and development in collaboration with experts from both Korea and abroad.
A Rich Platform for Domestic and International Experts
The forum will bring together experts from various fields for rich discussions. The first session, titled "Cultural Heritage and Community Engagement," will feature speakers such as Professor Lee Hee-seong (Dankook University), Ary Basoeki Albertus (Coordinator of STUPPA Foundation in Indonesia), and Shim Hong-seop (Cultural Heritage Specialist, Hwasun County). They will engage in in-depth discussions on the preservation of cultural heritage, including dolmens, and strategies for community involvement.
In the second session, titled "Examples of Tourism, Promotion, and Utilization," participants will include Jayarajan Vayalkara (Founder of FOLKLAND, Kerala), Naomi (Director of the Gochang Ungok Ecological Community), and Yevfrat Mambekov (Professor, Zhurgenov National Academy of Arts, Kazakhstan), who will share sustainable tourism promotion strategies based on their experiences.
Pingmae Rock," a dolmen weighing over 200 tons, located within the Hwasun Dolmen Site, is associated with the legend that Mago Halmi (Grandmother Mago) threw it away in anger.
The Importance of Community Participation and Global Cooperation
A notable aspect of this forum is the active participation of local residents and international cooperation. On October 18, prior to the forum, domestic and international participants will visit Mosan Village, the Dolmen Park, and the Jeokbyeok region, where they will engage with local residents. This on-site experience is expected to lead to more practical and dynamic discussions during the forum.
An official from Hwasun County stated, "This forum is not just an academic event, but an opportunity to present a new model of sustainable tourism created through the collaboration of local residents and the international community. It will greatly help in highlighting the value of the World Heritage dolmen and revitalizing local tourism based on that."
A view of the numerous dolmen clusters formed in the Hwasun Dolmen area
Efforts Toward Sustainable Development
Through this forum, Hwasun aims to actively seek ways to protect its World Heritage while utilizing it as a tourism resource to stimulate the local economy. The event, held in celebration of Mosan Village’s selection as a UNWTO "Best Tourism Village," will not only showcase an exemplary case of sustainable tourism but also present a direction for the global tourism industry.
Participants hope that the professional insights and creative ideas shared at the forum will contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and the advancement of tourism, not only in Hwasun but globally. The forum’s discussions are also expected to serve as a key milestone for future regional policies and international cooperation.
Expectations for Regional Development through the Forum
Hwasun County aims to build a sustainable tourism model in collaboration with domestic and international experts and local residents through this forum. The forum's success is expected to be a significant milestone, not only for local policy but also for setting a new direction for the global tourism industry.
Dr. Park Seong-Yong, a representative of Culture Masters, one of the key partners of the forum, said, "This forum is an important opportunity to showcase Hwasun’s dolmen sites and Mosan Village, selected as the Best Tourism Village, on the global stage. We hope that the discussions and insights shared will lead to the development of an advanced tourism model and contribute to sustainable growth in Hwasun and around the world."
The pre-forum field visits to the dolmen sites, Mosan Village, and Jeokbyeok will take place on October 18, while the main forum, with its various presentation sessions, will be held on October 19 at the Hwasun Cultural Center, where active discussions will take place among the domestic and international participants.
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