Is it allowable to remodel the interior of registered cultural properties for other purposes?
Is it allowable to remodel the interior of registered cultural properties for other purposes?
The Cultural Heritage Registration System, introduced to protect modern cultural heritage, is a self-monitoring and reporting system, significantly different from the existing designation system. While the designation system focuses on the preservation of the original form, the registration system is aimed at protecting cultural properties through utilization. So, owners can use their properties for various purposes even after registration.
The registration system allows owners to change their properties not only into private museums, local galleries and local education centers for the public interest but also into restaurants, accommodations and stores for profit. In addition, owners can receive instructions, advice and recommendations from the Cultural Heritage Administration before rebuilding their properties for the abovementioned purposes.
If alterations are made to more than one-fourth of the exterior side of a registered construction, the owner is advised to report to the governing head of the Si/Gun/Gu (see Article 50 of the Cultural Heritage Protection Act).
To protect the registered cultural properties, the Administrator of the Cultural Heritage Administration can offer guidance, advice and recommendations about changes in the current condition of reported properties.
Hall of Seobukhakhoe Society at Konkuk University
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