Korea's Digital Art Revolution Pioneering Cultural Preservation in Museums by Mika (Jaeyun) Noh.
Gregory Gray
CEO of Summit Communication Group and Film Historian | Investor in Healthcare, Entertainment, Hotels and Tourism
How does digital technology redefine cultural heritage? Can virtual art experiences rival the impact of physical exhibitions? Will policy challenges hinder the digital renaissance of museums?
In this edition of The Future of Luxury by Summit Communication Group , we explore the groundbreaking innovations in digital art emerging from South Korea’s museums. With a insider look into Korea’s leadership in digital heritage, this article—featuring insights from my friend and esteemed art critic Mika(Jaeyun) Noh , Legislative Director at The National Assembly of The Republic of Korea —examines the fusion of technology, policy and cultural identity. Mika’s expertise in cultural policy offers a compelling perspective on the global implications of Korea’s digitization efforts, highlighting both the opportunities and the legal complexities shaping this transformation. For luxury brand leaders, investors and cultural institutions, this is a must read on how digital art is reshaping prestige, accessibility and the future of cultural capital.
The emergence of digital art has become a key trend in museums worldwide, with South Korea leading the charge in integrating advanced digital technology to preserve and promote its cultural heritage.
Korea's Digital Art Leadership
One of the most notable recent achievements in this field is the digital reproduction of the Gwanggaeto Stele, a significant Korean national heritage, at the National Museum of Korea. This project won the prestigious IDEA Design Award in 2024[i], solidifying South Korea's position as a global leader in digital heritage. The digital reproduction not only preserves the stele's intricate details but also makes it accessible to a global audience through virtual exhibitions.?
Trends in Digital Art Integration
Korean museums are at the forefront of digital art integration, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to create immersive and interactive experiences. The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) in Seoul, for example, has pioneered the use of virtual reality (VR)[ii] and augmented reality (AR) to offer visitors a new way to engage with art. These technologies allow for the creation of virtual exhibitions that can be accessed from anywhere in the world, expanding the museum's reach beyond its physical walls.
Another notable trend is the use of digital platforms to preserve and showcase intangible cultural heritage. The Digital Heritage Archive, managed by the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea, digitizes and archives traditional Korean art forms, making them accessible to a global audience. This initiative not only preserves Korea's cultural heritage but also promotes it on an international scale.
“South Korea is redefining cultural preservation, turning national heritage into a global digital experience.”
Global Comparisons
In comparison to other global efforts, South Korea's push for digital heritage innovation is unprecedented. Countries like Egypt and Italy are also exploring ways to preserve their cultural assets through digital means, but South Korea stands out due to its successful collaborations between cultural and technological sectors. These partnerships have fostered not only national pride but also global recognition. For example, the digitalization of historical assets like Gyeongbokgung Palace for use in popular games such as Black Desert has garnered international attention, contributing to both cultural and economic value.
Policy Challenges in Cultural Heritage Digitization in Korea
Despite the growing momentum in cultural heritage digitization in Korea, several policy challenges need to be addressed to ensure sustainable growth and the effective integration of digital technologies. These challenges include legal frameworks, resource allocation, and content standardization, which collectively hinder the maximization of digital cultural assets.
“Without clear legal frameworks, the digital renaissance of museums risks becoming a fragmented future.”
1. Insufficient Legal Framework
One of the primary challenges faced by Korea in the digitization of cultural heritage is the absence of a dedicated and comprehensive legal framework. Although the Cultural Heritage Administration's "Cultural Heritage Digital Transformation 2030 Plan" sets a strategic direction for digitizing cultural heritage, there remains a significant gap in the legal provisions required to support this plan. The absence of specific legislation tailored to the digitization of cultural heritage makes it difficult to establish clear guidelines for implementation, leaving many aspects, such as funding, data ownership, and copyright, unclear and unregulated. The lack of a robust legal foundation limits the potential for growth and innovation within the field, as stakeholders face uncertainty in navigating legal complexities surrounding digital assets.
2. Unclear Legal Status of Digital Cultural Assets
A critical issue in Korea's cultural heritage digitization efforts is the unclear legal status of digital cultural assets. There is no definitive regulation on the ownership, copyright, and usage rights of digitalized cultural heritage data. As digital content becomes increasingly widespread, issues related to intellectual property (IP) and data ownership grow more complex. Without clear regulations, the sharing, use, and commercial exploitation of digital cultural heritage may face legal obstacles. This lack of clarity impedes collaboration among cultural institutions, private sector players, and international partners, reducing the efficiency and effectiveness of digital cultural heritage projects. Furthermore, it creates uncertainty for creators and institutions about the long-term sustainability of digital assets, limiting their capacity for reinvestment and innovation.
“The fusion of art, technology, and policy is reshaping how we engage with cultural heritage.”
3. Inadequate Budget and Human Resources
Cultural heritage digitization requires significant financial resources and a skilled workforce, both of which are currently in short supply in Korea. The digitization process, which involves the conversion of tangible cultural heritage into digital formats, is resource-intensive, requiring specialized technology and personnel. However, there is a persistent challenge in securing adequate funding and trained professionals in the field. The lack of sufficient budget allocation for digitization initiatives means that many projects are either delayed or left incomplete. Additionally, there is a shortage of professionals with expertise in digital technologies, heritage conservation, and cultural management. This shortage of skilled personnel further hampers the success of digitization efforts and limits the ability to develop innovative digital cultural products.
4. Lack of Standardization in Digital Content
A significant challenge for the successful digitization of cultural heritage in Korea is the absence of standardization across institutions involved in the creation of digital content. Various government agencies, cultural institutions, and private sector players are working independently to digitize cultural heritage, but without a unified standard for data formats, quality, and accessibility. This lack of standardization creates interoperability issues, where digital content produced by one institution may not be easily shared or integrated with that of another. Additionally, inconsistent standards hinder the widespread use of digital cultural assets, as compatibility between platforms, software, and devices is often not guaranteed. To fully unlock the potential of digital heritage, a cohesive and standardized approach to content creation and dissemination is essential.
5. Low Utilization of Digital Cultural Content
While significant investments have been made in digitizing cultural heritage, many digital assets remain underutilized. The content created often fails to achieve its intended impact, with some projects receiving minimal engagement or being used only once. This issue is compounded by the lack of long-term maintenance plans and the failure to continually update or promote the digital assets. Without proper management, digitized cultural heritage may not be utilized to its full potential, and the substantial resources invested may not translate into meaningful public or educational benefits. Furthermore, the focus of digitization efforts has often been on the creation of new content, with less emphasis on how to sustain and ensure the continued relevance of this content in the digital ecosystem.?
Related Article from The Future Of Luxury by Summit Communication Group: Art as Payment: How South Korea's New Tax Law Redefines Inheritance and Culture by Mika (Jaeyun) Noh.
Conclusion
The rise of digital art in Korean museums represents a significant shift in how cultural heritage is preserved and presented. By embracing digital technologies, Korean museums are not only enhancing visitor experiences but also promoting cultural preservation and community engagement. However, to ensure the sustainable growth of digital art, it is crucial to address the policy challenges associated with copyright protection and intellectual property rights. As Korea continues to lead in this field, it serves as a model for other countries looking to integrate digital art into their cultural institutions.
[i] Jung, S. J., & Lee, T. H. (2021). A Study on the Present Condition and Prospect of Architectural Cultural Heritage Content Applied to 3D Digital Technology.?Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.
[1] Digital Stele of King Gwanggaeto the Great(2024), The National Museum of Korea.
[1]360°VR Exhibition Tour MMCA VR│Performative Home: Architecture for Alternative Living(2024).
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea.
[1] Jung, S. J., & Lee, T. H. (2021). A Study on the Present Condition and Prospect of Architectural Cultural Heritage Content Applied to 3D Digital Technology.?Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.
Written by mika Noh
Published Gregory Gray, CEO & Founder of Summit Communication Group
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Mika(Jaeyun) Noh - your insights are always so sharp and to the point. Thank you for sharing your expertise!