Gwangju, a mid-sized city in South Korea, transformed its negative political image into an artistic and cultural hub, resulting in significant economic growth. The study focuses on three main cultural strategies: high art events, the rise of cultural industries, and cultural participation and flexibility through urban regeneration.
Gwangju, known for its tragic political history during the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, faced economic and social challenges for years due to historical distortion and discrimination. In the 1990s, local and national governments sought to reshape the city’s image through culture-driven initiatives, leading to the launch of the Gwangju Biennale in 1995. This biennale, focused on contemporary and media arts, was pivotal in attracting tourists and redefining Gwangju as a “city of art.”
This high art event, initially criticised for conflicting with Gwangju’s historical memory, later catalysed economic revival, blending modern artistic expression with the city’s past. Over time, cultural industries such as media art and creative sectors like film, music, and design flourished. By 2020, South Korea’s cultural and creative industries accounted for 6.5% of the country’s GDP, with Gwangju playing a key role in this transformation.
Gwangju’s designation as an Asian Culture Hub and the establishment of the Asia Culture Center (ACC) provided platforms for historical remembrance and creative expression. This regeneration was not without conflict, particularly over preserving historical sites related to May 18. However, these disputes reinforced the need to integrate cultural memory with economic development, earning Gwangju widespread recognition for its cultural strategies.
Gwangju’s culture-led urban regeneration highlighted how history and cultural memory can powerfully shape urban identity and drive economic revitalization. By preserving historical sites and embracing cultural initiatives, Gwangju has transformed its legacy into an asset, enhancing its economy and global profile. UNESCO’s designation of Gwangju as a Media Art Creative City further underscores this approach, rooted in historical and cultural heritage, which has enabled the city to attract both tourism and national support.
A cornerstone of this strategy is the transformation of the South Jeolla Provincial Hall into the ACC, a major cultural hub. This site, deeply linked to the May 18 Democratic Uprising, held profound historical significance. Initial plans for demolition ignited strong local opposition, leading to preserved areas that honor the city’s democratic legacy. This illustrates Gwangju’s ability to balance historical memory with contemporary uses, as the ACC now serves as a space for art, literature, and performance.
The Gwangju Biennale initially sparked debate by prioritizing contemporary art over local heritage, which led to criticism from the Anti-Biennale movement. This tension prompted organizers to incorporate Gwangju’s cultural narrative, setting a pattern where Gwangju’s cultural projects seek a balance between history, contemporary culture, and economic goals. UNESCO’s recognition as a Media Art Creative City also leveraged this legacy, drawing attention to Gwangju’s role in democratization while fostering contemporary industries like LED technology and media art. This synthesis between history and innovation has strengthened Gwangju’s identity and appeal.
Gwangju’s commitment to social welfare is reflected in initiatives like the Gwangju Job Project, a collaboration with Hyundai that echoes Wolfsburg, Germany’s model, offering enhanced welfare in exchange for lower salaries. Although this is not a traditional cultural project, it builds on the values nurtured by Gwangju’s cultural efforts, underscoring a commitment to social welfare and resilience.
National investment has also supported Gwangju’s cultural infrastructure, enabling projects like the AI Cluster Town, Light Expo, and the AMT Center to foster economic growth and tourism. Initiatives like the Lee Eee Nam artist studio, which transformed a vacant building into an art studio and café, exemplify Gwangju’s integrative approach to urban regeneration, promoting local engagement and tourism alike.
Challenges have accompanied Gwangju’s path to cultural prominence, as tensions between local and external stakeholders reveal conflicts over representation. The 13th Gwangju Biennale’s COVID-19 postponement led to successful virtual exhibitions, highlighting the potential of digital media to expand Gwangju’s reach. This shift has influenced the city’s cultural planning, setting a foundation for future virtual elements.
The ACC’s diverse offerings, spanning art, literature, and multimedia, illustrate the power of flexible cultural spaces. Though initially criticized for its lack of focus, the ACC’s adaptability has proven valuable, engaging varied audiences and becoming a key economic contributor. This approach embodies Gwangju’s efforts to blend tradition with modernity, appealing to both local and global audiences.
Gwangju’s experience underscores the importance of intertwining local history with cultural development. The city’s transformation from a political hub to an international cultural destination reflects a vision of urban regeneration that respects memory while embracing innovation. Through strategic preservation, investment in creative industries, and promotion of cultural participation, Gwangju has emerged as a model for sustainable development. Its unique interplay of history, economy, and cultural identity highlights the city’s adaptability, offering insights into how urban centers can harness heritage to foster vibrant, resilient futures.
Gwangju’s case highlights the cyclical relationship between culture, history, and the economy. While local and national governments initiated cultural strategies, civil society and local actors, determined to preserve the city’s historical memory, also shaped these efforts. The study argues that memory, identity, and culture can become powerful economic assets when thoughtfully integrated into urban planning.
The research demonstrates Gwangju’s success in utilising cultural strategies not only for place-marketing but also in fostering a dynamic and resilient urban memory-economy nexus. It suggests that cities with complex histories can benefit economically by embracing and integrating their cultural heritage into modern development strategies, a particularly relevant approach for mid-sized cities in East Asia seeking global visibility through culture-led economic growth.
References
Shin, HaeRan. (2024). Culture-urban economy nexus going through different cultures: The evolving negotiation in Gwangju, South Korea. Scienze Regionali – Italian Journal of Regional Science Vol. 23:237-264.
