This study examines the complex relationship between World Heritage conservation and community mobility through path analysis, aiming to promote sustainable heritage conservation. In contemporary society, mobility extends beyond simple spatial movemen...
This study examines the complex relationship between World Heritage conservation and community mobility through path analysis, aiming to promote sustainable heritage conservation. In contemporary society, mobility extends beyond simple spatial movement, serving as a socio-economic driver and a catalyst for spatial transformation. World Heritage sites, in particular, are not only objects of protection and management but also serve as spaces integral to the lives of local communities and tourist destinations where diverse forms of mobility intersect. The changes induced by such mobility influence the quality of life of local communities and the experiences of visitors, thereby directly and indirectly contributing to heritage conservation.
However, most studies on mobility and heritage conservation have focused solely on regional-level mobility, overlooking the characteristics of individual mobility, which represents a significant limitation. This oversight has led to practical challenges in place-based planning. Such planning, driven by a utilitarian perspective, has prioritized the provision of transportation infrastructure while neglecting to adequately consider the mobility characteristics and demands of heritage users. As a result, mobility infrastructure improvement projects have, in some cases, adversely affected the quality of life of local communities. From the perspective of heritage conservation, these adverse effects restrict the participation of local communities and stakeholders in conservation efforts, ultimately undermining heritage conservation. To address these challenges, it is crucial to complement the place-based perspective with a behavioral approach.
This study analyzed the Suwon Hwaseong area to identify the specific relationship between individual mobility and heritage conservation and derive the characteristics of individual mobility relevant to heritage and regional planning. Suwon Hwaseong, a World Heritage site, was selected as the study area due to its significant visitor mobility, which exacerbates issues such as congestion, traffic delays, and parking shortages, ultimately affecting the local community's quality of life. To analyze the relationship between community mobility and heritage conservation, a conceptual model was developed based on a literature review, incorporating variables such as mobility, livability, visitor satisfaction, and heritage conservation. Subsequently, a path analysis was conducted using data collected through surveys from 662 residents and visitors. This analysis clarified the relationship between mobility and heritage conservation.
The analysis revealed that mobility had significant direct and indirect effects on heritage conservation. In particular, the indirect effects of mobility, mediated by livability and visitor satisfaction, were particularly significant. Additionally, individual mobility capital, such as reasons for travel, physical health, and time sovereignty, had a significant direct effect on the perception of heritage value. These findings suggest that incorporating the diverse mobility capacities and needs of individuals into heritage conservation policies can contribute to effective conservation. Therefore, to ensure sustainable heritage conservation, it is essential to establish a mobility environment that allows individuals with limited mobility capital to easily access heritage sites, among local communities and stakeholders.
Reflecting the mobility characteristics of local communities and visitors in external mobility factors (e.g., regulations, infrastructure) within the regional context can promote participation in heritage conservation. In the case of Suwon Hwaseong, enhancing movement convenience between internal and external parking lots, while regulating the use of internal parking facilities, could alleviate traffic congestion within the Hwaseong Fortress. These measures, addressing the high proportion of car-dependent visitors, their low awareness of heritage value, and mobility issues within the fortress, enhance local livability and improve visitors' heritage experiences. Moreover, establishing infrastructure accessible via diverse modes of transportation can enhance heritage accessibility for individuals with varying mobility capacities, thereby supporting sustainable heritage conservation. In terms of heritage education and utilization programs, lower mobility capacities among Hwaseong residents and visitors were observed to correlate with lower awareness of heritage value. Current programs should be diversified through adjustments in schedules, reservation methods, and transportation support to enable participation by individuals with limited mobility capacity. This approach could mitigate social exclusion caused by mobility limitations and encourage conservation-related social activities, ultimately strengthening the sustainability of heritage conservation.
This study recognizes the limitations of the traditional place-based approach and examines the relationship between mobility and heritage conservation within a behavioral framework. While the place-based approach offers significant policy effectiveness, it faces challenges in adequately reflecting the unique characteristics and perspectives of the people living alongside heritage sites. In contrast, the behavioral approach, arguably less efficient, has the advantage of considering human diversity and mitigating the negative effects of mobility complexity. This approach helps enhance stakeholders’ awareness of heritage value and encourages their participation in heritage conservation. The study concludes by emphasizing the need to avoid exclusive reliance on a single approach. Instead, it advocates an integrative strategy that combines the strengths of both place-based and behavioral approaches, fostering a more comprehensive and inclusive framework for sustainable heritage conservation.
Finally, when considering the relationship between mobility and heritage conservation at an individual level, this study offers policy implications for sustainable heritage conservation. It emphasizes that heritage conservation should go beyond preserving physical spaces to incorporate the diverse mobility patterns of individuals and enhance accessibility. Policies that reflect the mobility characteristics of local communities and stakeholders can improve livability and visitor satisfaction, thereby fostering increased interest and engagement in heritage conservation. Thus, from a behavioral perspective, respecting the diversity of individual mobility is essential for enhancing the sustainability and resilience of World Heritage sites. This approach highlights the importance of integrating diverse mobility considerations into heritage policies to ensure their long-term effectiveness and inclusivity.