Korea reimagines its independence ideals as tool for modern diplomacy - The Korea Times

Visitors view a special exhibition commemorating the 150th anniversary of independence leader Kim Koo's birth at the 2026 Seoul International Book Fair at Coex in southern Seoul, June 24. Yonhap

Korea’s heritage officials and policy experts gathered Monday to explore how cultural assets can become a foundation for global cooperation and peace, revisiting independence leader Kim Koo’s vision of a nation strengthened by culture.

The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) held the World Heritage Governance and Realizing a Cultural Powerhouse: Kim Koo’s Vision of Cultural Power and Policy Directions, an international academic conference jointly organized with the Korean Association for Policy Studies, at BEXCO in Busan.

The conference was an official side event of the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

The event examined Kim’s belief that cultural strength could help create a nation that contributes to peace and prosperity around the world.