ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to discuss how social interpretation of the past influences contemporary issues of historic preservation in conjunction with the concept of cultural politics in modern society. These interactions are exemplified in modern Korean preservation policy, management, interpretation, and decision-making processes for colonial heritage built during the thirty-five years (1910-1945) of Japanese rule. This chapter investigates the larger perspectives of South Korean national attitudes regarding historic resources associated with tragedy and sorrow as well as how colonial heritage can be properly interpreted and preserved from political vandalism.
