2011 International Symposium on City Planning, Korea Planners Association, Aug 26 2011
The Spatial Characteristics of the Ancient Capital, Gyeongju & Its Conservation Plan
1)Chae, Mie-oak Ph.D.
Head of Center for Cultural Territorial Policy Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements Byung Choon Hwang, M.U.P.
Assistant Research Fellow Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements
1. Opening Remarks : Background of Ancient Capital Conservation Policy In Korea, the basic framework of protecting cultural properties was established with the enactment of “the Cultural Properties Protection Act” in 1962. This Act played a vital role in protecting cultural assets from the rapid industrialization and economic development that began in the 1960s. However, such policy approach focused on the conservation of individual cultural assets but proved to be ineffective in managing and harmonizing them with the surrounding areas. In the 1980s, there have been pursuits to shift Korea’s cultural property protection policy from a site-specific level to an area-wide level but was not hugely successful, due to the insufficient government support and compensation. Surrounding areas of cultural heritages and remains are poorly managed some cultural assets are surrounded— by high-rise modern buildings making it difficult to save the historical environment.—
Ancient capital is not free from all of these problems. In order to solve such problems, the Cultural Heritage Administration enacted 「the Ancient Capital Conservation Act in」 2004. Ancient capital city refers to cities, which served as historical and political center in the old dynasties, where the kings resided.
<Figure 1> History of cultural conservation policy in Korea
1) This paper is written from Chae, Mie-oak. Kwon, Tae-jeong. Hwang, Byeung-choon. Kim, Namhee. Lee, Nangyeong.
Ancient Capital Conservation Plan of Gyeongju , Gyeongju City/Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements,
「 」
2011; Chae, Mie-oak. Kwon, Tae-jeong. Hwang, Byeung-choon. “Ancient Capital Conservation Plan of Korea and Its implications for Urban Plan", Journal of International City Planning, The international Symposium on City Planning 2010, The City Planning Institute of Japan, Nara city, Japan
Source : Chae, Mie Oak. Nov. 2009. “Changes to Territorial development Plan and Ancient Capital Conservation Plan”, Ancient Conservation Forum of Iksan City, Mabaek Cultural Conservation Research Institute.
Among the ancient capital cities in Korea, Gyeongju (the capital of the Silla Kingdom) and Buyeo, Gongju and Iksan (the capitals of the Baekje Kingdom) have been designated as ancient capitals under 「the Ancient Capital Conservation Act .」
The purpose of 「the Ancient Capital Conservation Act is to conserve and manage」 historical environment along with the cultural heritage on a city-level. The law articulated the assistant program for the residents which was excluded in the former cultural asset preservation policies. The law also stipulated making a city-level management plan for the cultural environment.
To implement this policy goal, the government started to prepare the Ancient Capital Conservation Plans from 2005. Basic surveys for the Ancient Capital Plans for the four cities was conducted between late 2005 and mid-2007. The conservation plans for Buyeo, Gongju, Iksan, were completed in 2009 and the plan for Gyeongju completed in Feb. 2011.
This paper will review the framework of the Ancient Capital Conservation Plan and present some part of Ancient Capital Conservation Plan of Gyeongju.
2. The Conceptual Framework of Ancient Capital Conservation Plan
2.1. Main Goals and Framework of Ancient Capital Conservation Plan
The Ancient Capital Conservation Plan(ACCP) is aimed to restore the historical identity and context of ancient capital using the spatial planning concept as well as to improve residential environment and revive the regional economy, which had slowed down due to development restrictions for the protection of cultural assets.
As can be seen in <Figure 2>, the most important thing in making ACCP is knowing how to read and interpret the spatial structure of ancient capital. The ACCP reads and interprets the spatial structure of the capital based on the intangible history & myths, the principles of urban structure as well as the tangible heritages and archeological substances. After interpreting the capital structure, the three aspects have been considered in making the ACCP.
The first aspect concerns conservation. The plan is designed to conserve ancient capitals' historical identity and enhance the historic authenticity. Through the analysis of geographic
conditions, distribution of cultural heritages & historical places, the plan seeks to sort out places that must be preserved or restored, that is, rediscover and evolve the hidden potential of the ancient capitals. The second aspect concerns breathing new life into the cities. The plan seeks to create vibrant living conditions by regenerating the dilapidated areas in the cities to be in harmony with the historic environment. Finally, the plan is intended to showcase ancient capitals. It seeks to generate high touristic values by harmonizing historical and cultural assets with local residential spaces and transform them into tourist attractions.
ACCP is planned and announced by the elected heads of local governments with the approval of the administrator of the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea. Once they are announced, it is mandated to the heads of local governments to reflect the plans to their local urban planning.
<Figure 2> Conceptual Framework of ACCP
Source: Chae, Mie Oak et al. 2009. 「Ancient Capital Conservation Plan for Buyeo . Buyeo-Gun / Korea Research」 Institute for Human Settlements. p.104.
2.2. Characteristics of ACCP
The ACCP is similar to urban planning in that it is a comprehensive plan that covers a broad region not just a single cultural heritage. It includes plans for the conservation of the cultural assets, conservation of the eco-system, and recreation of the scenery and tourism.
However, there are differences in some aspect.
First of all, the ACCP aims to leave the ancient capital region free from the pressure of development. Urban planning focuses on selecting areas with low cost to improve economic efficiency when selecting areas for development whereas the ACCP focuses on selecting the regions that should be excluded from development until a thorough investigation and examination of the ancient sites are performed and the realities of the historical sites are uncovered. In other words, according to ACCP, the areas which need their historical identities and structure restored or identified are excluded from development, and the areas
surrounding these area are developed harmoniously with historic environment.
Secondly, ACCP attempts to trace and ensure historic structure of ancient capital contrary to cultural protection plan conserving individual heritage. ACCP seeks out ways to restore and conserve the historic environment of an ancient capital including the both geographic and urban conditions and cultural property. Under the plan, mountains, rivers, palaces, castles and other assets that constituted the pillars of ancient capitals are designated as "Special Conservation Districts." Residential areas, and farmlands surrounding the core spaces are named as "Historic Environment Districts" which is in harmony with the historic atmosphere.
<Figure 3> Emptying & filling Paradigm of ACCP
Source: Chae, Mie Oak et al. 2009. Ancient Capital Conservation Plan for Buyeo. Buyeo-Gun / Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements. p.105.
<Figure 4> Principles of Designating Special Conservation & Historic Environment District
Chae, Mie Oak et al., 2007, Historical and Cultural Environment Management of Ancient Capitals. Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea / Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements. p.111.
Thirdly, the urban planning tries to reorganize or recreate the city in a short period of time. However the ACCP attempts to leave the selected regions untouched until the historical reality is unveiled. Instead, it seeks to refurbish the surrounding areas in order to prevent development pressure.
3. Current Condition of Gyeongju
3.1. Physical condition
Gyeongju lies in the southeastern part of Gyeongsangbuk-do. It has total area of 1,324.83㎢ or 6.96% of Gyeongsangbuk-do (19,027.68㎢). Gyeongju is surrounded by 5 mountains, such as Mt. Namsan, Mt. Myeonghwalsan, Mt. Songhwasan, Mt. Seondosan, Mt. Sogeumgangsan, and Mt. Nangsan, which makes Gyeongju a naturally barricaded core area. In addition to Hyeongsan River, which is a national river, approximately thirty Class-2 provincial rivers including Bukcheon, Namcheon, Daecheon, and
<Figure 5> Location of Gyeongju
Daejongcheon flow through or near Gyeongju. Seocheon flows in the west, Bukcheon passes through the northern part of the core area of the capital, and Namcheon runs around Banwolseong. These mountains and rivers serve as the backbone of ancient capital and form a visual corridor and background of the core area, which contain many cultural assets and folk tales.
Designated Ancient Capital Cities in Korea
Seoul
Gongju Buyeo
Iksan
Ancient Capital City of Silla Ancient Capital Cities
of Baekje
Gyeongju
<Figure 6> Mountains & Rivers of Gyeongju
3.2. The Distribution of Designated Cultural Heritage
Gyeongju remained as the capital of the Silla Kingdom for 1,000 years from B.C.57 to A.D.992. There are 297 designated cultural assets distributed in Gyeongju: 205 are state-designated cultural assets, 51 are local-government-designated cultural assets and 41 are cultural assets data. Within Gyeongju ancient capital zone1), there are 157 designated cultural assets: 103 are historical sites and treasures, which are state-designated cultural assets, 28 are local-government-designated cultural assets and 16 are cultural assets data. In addition to those mentioned above, there are Gyeongju Historic Remains Zone, Bulguksa temple and Seokguram, Myeongwhal Mt., Yangdong Village which have been designated as a UNESCO world heritage in Gyeongju.
1) The term ‘ancient capital zone’ refers to the ‘spatial area of Ancient Gyeongju’ mentioned in 2007 Foundation Study on Ancient Gyeongju.
<Figure 7> The Distribution of Elements of Ancient Capital
The areas that are regulated in relation to the conservation of cultural assets make up 27.17% of the entire area of Gyeongju. The biggest area of ancient Gyeongju (area surrounded by Seocheon, Bukcheon, Mt. Namsan, and Mt. Nangsan) is controlled as Cultural Heritage Protection District, Development Impact Assessment District, Maximum Height Restriction District, or National Park.
3.3. Regulations Related with Conservation of Cultural Heritage
The area controlled in relation with cultural assets is 27.17% of the entire area of Gyeongju. The most area of ancient Gyeongju (the area surrounded by Seocheon, Bukcheon, Mt. Namsan and Mt. Nangsan) is controlled as Cultural Heritage Protection Zone, Cultural Assets Impact Assessment Zone, Max. Height Restriction Zone, Historic and Cultural Scenery Zone or National Park.
<Figure 8> Regulations
The acts applied to designation of these areas are: the Cultural Heritage Protection Act for cultural heritage protection zone and cultural assets impact assessment zone, the National Land Planning and Utilization Act and urban planning ordinances for historic and cultural scenery zone, max. height restricted zone and cultural resources preservation zone, and the Natural Parks Act for national park.
4. Analysis of Spatial Structure of Ancient Capital, Gyeongju
4.1 Analysis of the Elements of Ancient Capital and It's Distribution2) Unlike other cities, ancient capitals are filled
with tangible and intangible historical assets such as royal palaces, Jujakdaero (the main street from the main palace lined by administrative offices), fortresses, temples, royal tombs, mountains, rivers, historical production sites and living sites, and other nationally managed historic relics. These are elements that can be said to constitute a capital.
These elements of the ancient capital in
Gyeongju have changed their position according to the progress of nation's power.
1) Wolseong - a royal palace (core of the inner region of the capital) Wolseong is assumed to be the royal
palace of Silla. It has been registered as a UNESCO world heritage since 2000 but has not yet been excavated in full scale.
According to a study, there was Daegung(Great Palace) or Naegung(Inner Palace) where kings resided, East palace near Imhaejeonji, South palace at the place of the current Gyeongju National Museum, Naejaeseokgung in the Cheonjusa temple site in the era of King Jinpyeong, and Yoseokgung as a detached
2) Lee, Geunjic et. al., 2010, "A Study on the Ancient Capital of Gyeongju" Collection of Studies on Hwangryongsa 6,「 」 Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage · Gyeongju City, pp.370 392; Chae, Mie oak et. al., 2007,∼ opcit.,pp.46 48.∼
<Figure 9> Elements of Ancient Capital
<Figure 10> Assumed Royal Palaces & underneath remains
palace at the place that served as the setting of the story on Wonhyo and Princess Yoseok3). According to the surface survey of Wolseong (2003~2004) performed by the Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, about 70 foundation stones (building area), a pond site, and a well site, and roof tiles with castle names written on them were found.4)
2) Ancient tombs
Until the middle of the 4th century, tombs were distributed on the slopes of mountains surrounding the Gyeongju basin or along the outer wall of the inner region of the capital.
From the late 4th century, they made groups of tombs inside the Gyeongju basin. Until the early 6th century, tombs of the royal family and nobles were made on the flatland of the core area of the capital.
With the expansion of the core area and realignment of the inner region of the capital, the tombs of the royal family and nobles were moved to the mountains from the Royal Tomb of King Beopheung.
3) Jeonrangji is said to be a Bukgung whose location has yet to be proven.(Silla Cultural Heritage Research Institute, 2006, Basic Survey Data of Gyeongju Cultural History , p.46).「 」
4) Gyeongju National Museum, 2010, 「Academic Research on Wolseong of Gyeongju 」
<Figure 11> The Change of Ancient Tombs Distribution
3) Mountain fortress (the defense system of the capital region) With the growth of the nation, the
castle wall also expanded outward to protect the inner region of the capital.
Depending on the method and the period of construction, the castles of Silla are classified into 3 stages. Stage 1 was the time when the core area of the capital was just built and the construction of castle walls commenced.
Earthen walls were built on the hills and mountains near Wolseong, such as Dodangsan Wall, Namsan Wall, MyeonghwalSan Wall, to protect the palace. These earthen walls were built before the early 6th century.
Stage 2 was the time when stone walls were constructed to protect the inner region of the capital. Stone walls were built in the east, west, and south of Gyeongju, respectively. The stone walls at Mt.Myeonghwalsan, Mt.Seohyeongsan, Mt.Namsan, Mt.Bukhyeongsan, and Goheoseong were built between the early 6th and mid-7th centuries. These mountain fortresses surrounding the inner region of the capital completed the surrounding fortress system. Stage 3 was the period covering the time before and after the unification of the Three Kingdoms. In this period, the protection of the capital was extended outward, with Busanseong, Shindaeriseong,and Gwanmunseong built after the mid-7th century.
4) The temples and pagodas
Until the mid-7th century during the era of Queen Seondeok, temples were built in the eastern part of Seocheon in the Gyeongju basin and around the Hwangryongsa temple. With the unification of the Three Kingdoms in the late 7th century, the growth of the inner region of the capital was accompanied by temples expanding to adjacent mountains especially Mt.
Namsan and the western part of the inner region of the capital. In the core area of the capital, on the Gyeongju basin within the inner region of the capital and to the west of the inner region of the capital were national temples and temples for nobles. The commons who had no power to establish temples had left many Buddhist temple remains including stone pagodas and stone Buddhas in Mt. Namsan. In the late 7th century, Buddhist temples were built by the royal family centering on the Hwangryongsa temple, Mt. Nangsan, and Wolseong; those built by the nobles were in the western part of Mt. Tohamsan, in the
<Figure 12> Distributional Changes of Fortresses
direction of the Ulsan highway, north of Mt.
Tohamsan, and in the direction of Donghaegu.
5) Forest5)
In the past, Gyeongju was called as a city of woods. Forests were likely developed according to the plan by the nation as a mean of flood control. Major forests until the United Silla dynasty include
G y e r i m ,
Cheongyeongrim, Shinyurim, Nonhorim, Cheonrim, and Ipdorim; Goyangsu, Wanggasu, Bibosu, Namjeongsu, Orisu, Hanjisu, and Imjeongsu which can be found in the documents of the mid-Joseon dynasty.
6) The Remains of Bangri System(city block system)6) The inner region of the capital of Silla is assumed to be in the grid-type of the capital block system.
Samgugyusa7), refers to the scale of Gyeongju, i.e., 178,936 Hos(Household) with 1,360 Bangs. Since 1,360 Bangs cannot be included in an area of 4.3km by 3.9km (approx. 16.8 ), some people raise questions about this㎢ record; others suggest that it was not for the inner
region of the capital only but for the outer region of the capital as well8).
The Bangri system was found north of the Hwangryongsa temple and its surrounding
5) Institute of Gyeongju History, 2006, 「The History of Gyeongju( ,Ⅰ Ⅱ Ⅲ 」, ) , pp776~783.
6) Jeong Seok Yang, et al (2010). “Core area of the capital block system near Hwangryongsa and inner region of the capital of Silla.” ｢Foundation Study on the Restoration of Hwangryongsa ,｣ 『Collection of Studies on Hwangryongsa』 6, National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, Gyeongju-si, pp.406~417.
7) Hhistory book of Three Kingdom(Silla, Goguryo, Baekjei) written by Monk Ilyeon.
8) Considering the size of 1,360 Bangs and the fact that there are places named "Malbang (interpreted as the "end of Bang") in Naenam-myeon and Wedong-eup, the spatial area of Ancient Gyeongju can be said to cover Naenam-myeon in the western part of Mt. Nam and Wedong-eup in the eastern part.
<Figure 14> The Distribution of Silla Woods
<Figure 13> Locational Changes of Buddhist Temple
areas. The Hwangryongsa temple spans 4 Bangs. From north to south, the Hwangryongsa temple wall is 281m long or about twice that of 1 Bang (140m). The distance of the east-west road is about 160m (164m for surface remains and 161.5m for below-the-surface remains). Road-related remains are found in Seonggeon-dong, Seongdong-dong, Guhwang-dong, Nodong-dong, and Noseo-dong, although the size of a Bang varies depending on the regions.
Fugisima(1930) Yoon, Moobyung (1972)｣ Park, Byungryong(1998)
sources : Yang, Jeongseok et al., 2010. Ibid. p.409, p.410, p.417.
<Figure 15> Bangri System of Silla
7) Living and production Related Remains9)
The remains in relation to the production facilities include the steelworks remains around Hwangseong-dong and various workshops in Gyeongjueup-Castle and its surrounding areas.
In the inner region of the capital are cultural assets in relation to the urban facilities and workshops remains for the production of copper and steel; in other areas, remains related to the production of roof tiles and earthenware and related living facilities are found. Facilities in relation to the production of earthenware, roof tiles, and charcoal are found around the inner region of the capital and at the outskirts of the capital. Inside the remains of residential buildings many wells were found including the pond in Yonggang-dong and the one found near the Bunhwangsa temple.
8) Folk tales and legends
History, folk tales, and legends of Gyeongju have various characteristic that are formulated by the different directions over time. Folk tales for the era of the foundation of the country and the Original Three Kingdom Period were found in the South-North axis. In the Three Kingdom Period until the unification of the Three Kingdoms, they were mainly found in the East-West axi. Folk tales from unification until the start of the Later Three Kingdom Period
9) Silla Cultural Heritage Research Institute, 2006, Basic Survey Data of Gyeongju Cultural History , p.48.「 」
were found in Gyeongju and its extended regions.
■ 경주 도심의 역사 설화 전설 등을 바탕으로, , 역사축을 시기별로 분석
• 시기에 따라 각기 다른 방향성과 공간분포를 가지며 특징적인 패턴을 드러냄
■ 건국 및 원삼국 시대
• 사로육촌시대에서 박혁거세 석탁해 미추왕으로 이어지는→ → 남북축
■ 삼국시대
• 진평왕 김유신 선덕여왕 김춘추 등 삼국통일 이전까지 동서→ / → 로 이어지는 역사문화축
■ 통일신라시대
• 통일 직후부터 후삼국 이전까지 경주 도심과 주변부로 확장된 역사문화환경을 아우르는 환형축
<Figure 16> Locations related with historical events, myths
9) Others : Remains other than those of Silla
Gyeongjueup-Castle located in the center of Gyeongju was built in the Goryeo Dynasty, which became a fully equipped, block-shaped flatland castle in the Joseon Dynasty. There were various local government offices, accommodations for government officers(Gaeksa),
and a building for the king's portrait(Jipgyeongjeon) within the castle. However most of them were destroyed from the end of the Joseon Dynasty to the beginning of the Japanese colonial era. Only parts of the facilities including Gaeksa remained. Yangdongmaeul which is an excellent example of what a typical noble village in Korea looked like, the village was selected as a UNESCO world heritage in 2010. The village consists of 54 tile-roofed houses and approx. 110 surrounding houses. In addition to Yangdongmauel, there are Confucian schools(Gyeongjuhanggyo), Memorial Buildings(Jesil), and old houses in Gyeongju.
<Figure 17> Gyeongjueup Castle
4.2 Analysis of Spatial Changes of Ancient Gyeongju
Based on the change of spatial distribution of castles, tombs, and mountain fortresses, we can assume that it was not until the Unified Silla era that the inner capital boundary was completed. Under the ideology of "King is Buddha," temples were built continuously according to the urban planning scheme to play the role of both religious space and center of administration of the state. As such, tombs started to be made outside of the Gyeongju basin, and castles were built further outside of the core area of the capital to protect the inner region of the capital; thus completing the structure of the capital region.
The spatial distributions and locational changes of these tangible & intangible cultural assets can be summarized as <figure 18>.
<Figure 18> Changes of Spatial Structure of Ancient Capital
Before Ancient Kingdom Formed (before late4c) Ancient Kingdom & Capital Formed(Three Kingdom Era: late 4c~early 6c)
Ancient Capital Planning(Three Kingdoms Era: Mid 6c~late 7c) Extention of Capital(Unified Silla)
Move city core from Wolseong to GyeongjuEup Castle(Koryo,
Choseon Dynasity) Damaged Ancient Capital Structure, Modern Urban Plan(1910 )∼
4.3. Division of Ancient Capital Boundary
The spatial area of Ancient Gyeongju can be divided into 3; Royal palace area(the core area of the capital) as the key
base of the ancient capital, Wangdo(the inner region of the capital) serving as the topographical base of the capital, and Wanggi(the outer region of the capital).
1) Royal palace area (Core area of the capital)
The Royal palace area includes Wolseong and the surrounding remains. This is the key area of the ancient capital where the king’s castle and the affiliated facilities are located. The boundary of the Royal palace area can be said
to include Jeonrangji north of Wolseong, Hwangryongsa temple site and Bunhwangsa temple
<Figure 19> Division of Ancient Capital Boundary
site in the east, Namcheon and Gyeongju National Museum site (assumed to be the site of South Royal Castle) in the south, and Woljeong Bridge in the west.
The historical and cultural remains in this area include the Royal palaces such as Wolseong (Daegung), Imhaejeonji (assumed to be the East Castle), and Jeonrangji(assumed to be North palace) and administrative facilities. This region includes the residential and commercial zones in part, but most of the areas are designated as Historical Conservation Protection Areas.
The entire core area of the capital will be the first priority area that need to be managed through ACCP.
2) Wangdo(Inner region of the capital)
The Wangdo is the Gyeonju basin surrounded by 5 mountains (Mt. Namsan, Mt.
Seondosan, Mt. Songhwasan, Mt. Sogeumgangsan, and Mt. Myeonghwalsan), and 3 streams (Bukcheon, Seocheon, Namcheon). This inner region was systematically planned with the influence of urban planning system of China. According to Samgugyusa, the coverage of the capital was 1,360 Bang(city block), composed of 35Ri. It reached 3,075 Bo from the north to the south, 3,018 Bo from the east to the west.
The 5 mountains are the topographical base of the capital. The mountain fortresses serve as the bulwark of the core area of the capital, especially with the temporary royal palace in Mt. Myeonghwalsan. The mountains have various historical and cultural remains for example Mt. Namsan has many Buddhist cultural remains and fortress remains. Wangdo area is the place where remains of the Silla and other periods are accumulated and is consequently the subject of intensive management according to the ACCP.
3) Wanggi (Outer region of the capital)
It is the outer areas of the inner region of the capital where relics and folk tales that are historically related to the inner region of the capital are found. As the spatial structure of the ancient capital changed, the key elements of the Three Kingdom Period such as temples, mountain fortresses, and royal tombs were extended to the outer region of the capital.
Confucianism buildings and houses of the Joseon Dynasty were also located in the outer region of the capital thus resulting in the scattering of cultural remains of various eras in this area. Major historical and cultural remains include Bulguksa temple, Seokguram, Gameunsa temple site, Royal Tomb of King Munmu, Girimsa(temple), various mountain fortresses(such as Busanseong, Bukhyeongsanseong, Gwanmunseong), villages(Geoncheon-eup, Yangdongmaeul village), private schools(Dokrakdang, Oksanseowon, Gugangseowon, Donggangseowon, Yongsanseowon), Geumcheok-ri tombs, etcs. The outer region of the capital forms the entry to the inner region of the capital.
Therefore the need to emphasize the characteristics of tangible/intangible remains and achieving synergy in preservation by linking the historical context with the inner region of the capital is important.
5. Ancient Capital Conservation Plan of Gyeongju10)
5.1. Goals & Basic Directions
First, the primary emphasis is given to enhance the historical authenticity of the capital.
The plan suggested to upgrade the image of the tomb city, mostly created by a group of ancient tombs, into that of Kings' city, the ancient capital. Even though, most of the area should be conserved as vacant land, some part of the remains of the core area and inner region of the capital should be restored or visualized to form the image of Royal capital.
Second, Gyeongju will be managed as a massive outdoor museum, through visualizing various remains and sites that show the Silla’s planning scheme, technology, arts, and international trading.
Third, to integrate the divided remains, modern roads and railways cutting through the remains should be removed or adjusted. Edges of the remains distorted by railways and roads should be repaired to restore the structure of the ancient capital based on the city block system.
Fourth, harmony between the historical environment and the living space will be secured.
10) This plan is a partial summarization of ACCP of Gyeongju.
<Figure 17> The Goal of ACCP of Gyeongju
Residential area adjacent to major historic heritages and sites will be renovated to enhance the living environment of the residents as well as to provide harmonious historic environment of the capital.
Fifth, the plan should restore the urban center by restoring its historical representation and reinforcing the public and cultural functions. The historical urban center should be characterized with its day/night cultural and commercial environment to strengthen the competitiveness of the tourism of the urban center. Trails for pedestrians and bicycle riders should be made between remains and the historical urban center.
Sixth, to form an appropriate skyline as the ancient capital and to prevent disharmony due to distinctive buildings, the current height limitations in downtown area must be maintained at least. To enhance the scenery of the urban district, the signboards and exterior of buildings in the downtown area should be managed in harmony with the historical environment of the ancient capital.
Seventh, the view of the farmland should be maintained as scenic background for historic area. The the vacant grounds should be preserved along with the tangible cultural assets, in order to help visualize the historical context and enable people to link them to the folk tales and historical places.
Eighth, The historical and cultural scenery damaged by high-rise apartment buildings should be restored gradually. The surrounding areas of Dongguk University, Gyeongju University, Dongcheon-dong that can be seen from the downtown area and Yonggang-dong pond area which is one of the 3 major gardens of Silla need to be under a long-term scenery management system that oversees the height, layout, and appearance of buildings to gradually secure harmony with the historical and cultural scenery.
<Figure 16> Basic Directions of ACCP of Gyeongju
5.2 Details of the Plan
1) Framework of the Plan
ACCP has two aspects: one is the identification and restoration of the structure of the ancient capital to enhance it's historical authenticity, and the other is the revitalization of the decayed urban function.
For this purpose, the topological elements such as mountains & rivers and areas that need to be identified and conserved as an historical site should be managed as Emptying Space by designating Special Conservation District, depending on the archeological value and the type. In areas that were excavated and covered back with earth, some remains should be exposed to show the historical structure and spatial context of the ancient capital. Others should be preserved as visual corridors but with their locations and historical meanings highlighted through storytelling.
The area where the functions of the city must be recovered, should be managed as Filling Space, by designating Historical Environment District. In filling area, various urban revitalizing projects including housing renovation is implemented.
<Figure 16> The Framework of ACCP of Gyeongju
<Figure 16> Emptying Space & Filling Space in Basic Directions of ACCP of Gyeongju
2) Plans for Emptying Space : Designated as Special Conservation District To highlight the image of the Royal Capital
①
The image of the royal capital should be highlighted and reinforced by visualizing the area of Wolseong, which is assumed to be the royal palace of Silla. First of all, part of the wall of Wolseong and one of the palace buildings should be restored to create the image of the capital.
Exposing some of the underground remains is needed to make a base to infer the spatial structure of the ancient capital. Part of the remains near Wolseong (building site north of Gyerim Forest and south of Cheomseongdae), which are assumed to be the place for national memorial services, would be disclosed to visualize the structure of king's place. With this exposure of underground remains of Wolseong area, it is possible to make the link between the Ancient Tomb Park(Daereungwon) and the Wolseong. It is also suggested to strengthen the spatial links between Wolseong, Imhaejeonji(assumed as east palace site) and Gyeongju Museum(assumed as South Palace site). Trees and artificial obstacles between Wolseong and
Cheomseongdae should be removed to reinforce the visual link of this area. This plan will be supported with natural pedestrian paths connecting Ancient Tomb Park, Cheomseongdae, and Wolseong through the restoration of old paths and waterways.
<Figure 16> Highlight the Image of the Royal Capital
To show the city structure by visualizing historical traces
②
The frame of the ancient Gyeongju has been partly identified through excavation for a long time. However most of them were covered with soil & grass after excavation, failing to form historical and cultural scenery as an ancient capital. There is a need to expose some of the excavated remains to enable people to read the structural context of the ancient capital.
The plan will expose some of the excavated remains such as the roads around the Hwangryongsa temple site and the remains of the Bangri system to provide the frame for understanding the ancient capital for both the experts and the public.
Wangdo (Inner Region of
Ancient Capital)
Pilot Project District
<Figure 16> Visualizing Historical Traces
To integrate the divided remains and to repair the edges of remains
③
Japanese imperialism cut off the historical/cultural remains and damaged the historical frame of Gyeongju, degrading the historical/cultural environment of the ancient capital. There is a need to remove or change the routes (e.g., Donghae Nambu Railway Line, trunk roads, etc.) that damaged the city structure and the planning system of the ancient city. This will restore the original structure of the ancient capital, based on the Bangri system, and integrate
the divided historical and cultural remains and secure a link between them, including repairing the edges of the remains distorted by roads and railways.
Wangdo (Inner Region of Ancient Capital)
Pilot Project District
<Figure 16> Integrating Divided Remains
To restore old roads, waterways, the woods of Silla
④
The plan aims to restore the historical frame of the ancient capital and enhance their functional utility. The plan suggest to restore the roads & moats near Cheomseongdae to restore the old T-shaped road of Silla and link them to major remains and historical places.
The surroundings of Wolseong moats should be excavated and linked with the ancient roads
and waterways and to restore it to the way it was during the Silla Kingdom. The motes of Gyeongjueup-Castle, and Hwangryongsa temple site should be restored in phases. Based on the waterways of Imhaejeonji, the water source should be identified to restore the waterways flowing from Bukcheon through the Bunhwangsa temple, to Namcheon.
These waterways can be linked with the ancient roads to establish the pedestrian road network. The pedestrian roads implemented centering on the ancient roads and waterways should be extended to include bicycle paths and pedestrian paths in Bukcheon, Seocheon, and Namcheon waterside and to the mountain fortresses to ensure convenient accessibility and walking path to the urban center and the outer areas.
The project will also restore the image of Silla’s ancient capital as the city of woods by partly restoring Silla’s forests. The project will extend the image of Silla’s woods by making shades along the old paths and waterways to enhance the mystique and scenic values of the main remains and to create a comfortable walking environment.
<Figure 16> Restoring Old Paths & Waterways
3) Plans for Filling Space - Designated as the Historic Environment District Renovate the residential environment
①
House improvement projects should be performed preferentially to address the inconvenience of residents and to instill pride in the ancient capital amongst the residents;
thus establishing the foundation for the voluntary preservation of the ancient capital. A model project will be implemented to improve the house interior and living environment for the residential areas (Hwangnam-dong and Inwang-dong) near the world heritages (Ancient Tomb Park, Cheomseongdae, and Wolseong).
This project should be designed to create a residential district consisting of traditional Korean-style houses with alleys that match the scenery of the ancient capital. Likewise, the plan aims to strike a balance between the historical remains with the living space of the residents. It also plans to make a millenary royal tomb path between Ancient Tombs Park(Daereungwon) and residential districts to interconnect the two areas.
<Figure 16> Renovating Housing & Residential Environment
Enhance the urban cultural & commercial environment
②
Wangdo (Inner Region
of Ancient Capital)
Pilot Project District
<Figure 16> Revitalizing Cultural & Commercial Function in Urban Center
Downtown area has been hollowing out with the public facilities moving out to the outskirts of the city and the houses being removed for excavation. In order to stop the hollowing out trend in downtown, it is necessary to restore part of the walls & gates of Gyeongjueup-Castle as a cultural attraction point. Also the historical and cultural functions
& facilities of the downtown should be strengthened by designating a cultural environment improvement district. This district will be a buffer zone between the historical remains and a modern downtown area. Historical archives and cultural tourism related facilities such as traditional technology centers and galleries should be located in this district. The local government should buy old buildings in the downtown area and build or remodel them into traditional Korean-style houses. These traditional houses should be rented out to artists or those with intangible cultural assets in order to strengthen the artistic and cultural competence of the downtown area. Restaurants and traditional accommodations where visitors can enjoy traditional performances will be located in this area.
Securing the view of Gyeongjueup-Castle and Ancient Tombs Park requires keeping visual corridors on Taejong-ro and the North-South road. Road signs, signboards, road facilities, and road patterns should be improved to enhance the visual connection between Gyeongjueup-Castle and the remains of the inner region of the ancient capital.
To plan a historical/cultural network
③
In the waterside of the west river, there are ancient bridge sites. These bridges were used as the post of Silla’s army, post for the departure of the troops for the unification of the Three Kingdoms and also as a path for the introduction of Buddhism to Silla. In order to utilize the significance of ancient bridge sites of the west river, there is a need to build an outdoor theater and exhibition site to set a cultural base in the west of the downtown area.
These facilities will strengthen axis from the west to the east, Mt. Myeonghwalsan and Bomun Complex. A pedestrian path will be made under the theme of visiting the main temples in the inner region of the capital. Mt. Myeonghwalsan, which had been the king’s palace for over 30 years, should be utilized as the point for viewing the downtown area of Gyeongju and as the mediating space between the ancient capital and the tourist complexes (Bomun Complex, Millennium Park, etc.).
Wangdo (Inner Region
of Ancient Capital)
Pilot Project District
<Figure 16> Making Historical & Cultural Network
To reorganize the urban center transportation system
④
There is a need to modify and improve the transportation system in a broader restoration sense with regards to the framework of historic structure. The infrastructure should be
planned to integrate the historical frames divided by roads and to implement the p e d e s t r i a n - c e n t e r e d transportation system.
At the nodes in the downtown area, green transportation bases with transferring facilities such as a green transportation rental center should be provided.
Eco-friendly public transportation should be introduced in the routes from the downtown area to KTX station, Bomun Complex, Bulguksa temple, and Yangdongmaeul village.
Electric cars and electric bikes should be introduced in some
of the downtown areas, Bulguksa temple, and Seoak-dong.
The functions of the railway should be modified for rail bikes and eco-friendly low-speed mini trains that will operate between KTX station, Angang, and Yangdongmaeul village. The Donghae Nambu Railway Line should also be utilized as the path for rail bikes and eco-friendly low-speed vehicle plying from the outskirts to the downtown area. Supporting this function requires building the stops for tourist trains and rail bikes at the terminal stations of the railway.
7. Closing Remarks
This paper reviewed the conceptual framework of ACCP and its characteristics that differentiate it from urban planning & cultural heritage protection system. It also presented some part of ACCP of Gyeongju as an example. Gyeongju had been capital city for approximately 1,000years, it is filled with tangible and intangible historic assets and have various historical artifacts and ruins. However due to the regulations for protection of cultural assets, the living conditions and down town area have been continuously deteriorating and hollowing out. In addition, the site specific conservation system of individual cultural heritage under the Cultural Protection Act could not effectively prevent the pressure for development surrounding the cultural heritage, which resulted in poor quality of historic
<Figure 16> Reorganizing Transportation Systeml
environment for the city.
Ancient capital conservation policy aims to conserve and restore historical environment of ancient capital on a city-level by incorporating urban planning concept. The ACCP is aimed to recreate the historical context using the spatial planning concept and the historical identity as well as to improve residential environment and revive the regional economy which had slowed down due to development restrictions for the protection of cultural assets.
In this aspect, ACCP can be said as a turning point of conservation policy of cultural heritage in terms of fostering culture and enhancing quality of life along with conserving historical identity on a city level. Incorporating the core principles of ACCP, the current urban planning must place more importance on creating and conserving cultural environment of a city, especially the historic cities.
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