Blogpost 2- Korean Idenitiy + tourism

In Korea, the Korean identity is created through the arts, culture and heritage sites. In addition, this helps the county to promote tourism. Such examples of these heritage sites are the Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung Palace. Not only are there such sites, there are also cultural art performances such as Miso that promotes the Korean culture.

Gyeongbokgung is main palace of the Five Grand Palaces that was built by the Kings of the Joseon Dynasty.  As for the Changdeokgung Palace is one of the Five Grand Palaces. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in the year 1997.

Cyeongbokgung Palace

Changdeokgung Palace

These cultural heritage sites help to promote the rich heritage in Korea as they portray the history and culture of Korea. This, being an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is able to attract many visitors. These visitors include both the locals and foreigners. Therefore, Korea uses this opportunity to promote tourism.

There are many visitors at the Changdeokgung Palace

Other than these interesting sites, there are some cultural performances such as the Korean musical we saw, Miso. Miso is a Korean musical based on a traditional Korean love story. In this musical, the traditional Korean drums and traditional Korean dances are being displayed. It is also said to be Korea’s number one tourist attraction.

Similar to the palaces, this arts cultural performance attracts both locals and foreigners. There were subtitles in different languages such as English and Japanese. This allows the foreigners to understand the storyline of the musical. In addition, the performers in the musical wear the traditional Korean costumes.

I feel that Miso is able to portray the arts and culture of Korea very well. Also, as there are subtitles in different languages, tourists are also attracted to watch it.

In conclusion, the arts, cultural and heritage sites in Korea helps create a Korean identity by portraying the Korean cultural and heritage in these sites. The Koreans are then able to learn more about their cultural and heritage, creating a Korean identity. Korea also uses this Korean identity to promote tourism. Tourist can come to Korea to visit these arts, cultural and heritage sites and learn more about the Korean identity.