Goheung County is located in the southwestern part of the Korean Peninsula, in the southeastern region of Jeollanam-do. It consists of the Goheung Peninsula, which extends outward into the sea, and 230 islands—23 of which are inhabited and 207 uninh...
Goheung County is located in the southwestern part of the Korean Peninsula, in the southeastern region of Jeollanam-do. It consists of the Goheung Peninsula, which extends outward into the sea, and 230 islands—23 of which are inhabited and 207 uninhabited. Except for the northern area bordering Boseong County, Goheung is surrounded on three sides by the sea. This strategic location connects the southwestern and southeastern seas of the Korean Peninsula, making Goheung a vital maritime hub with a deep historical relationship with the sea.
Goheung is widely recognized as a center for the aerospace industry, as it is home to the Naro Space Center, a space launch facility located on Oenarodo in Bongrae-myeon. However, beyond its modern technological importance, Goheung also boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage.
The region contains cultural layers dating back to the prehistoric era, dolmen clusters, fortress walls and tombs from the Baekje Kingdom, as well as Buncheong and celadon kiln sites used from the Goryeo to the Joseon Dynasty. Additionally, there are historic sites linked to the naval forces of the Joseon Dynasty, along with cultural heritage from both the modern and contemporary periods.
Through foundational research and academic excavations into the distribution of cultural heritage in Goheung, efforts have been made to deepen understanding of the region’s history and culture while also utilizing these cultural assets to promote the area.
This paper aims to explore and analyze the cultural heritage of Goheung and to discuss effective strategies for utilizing these diverse assets. To this end, it will first examine the historical and cultural background of the region, review the current state of cultural heritage preservation and utilization, and propose future strategies for sustainable development.