​○ This study aims to reexamine the value of Jeonbuk State’s historical and cultural assets associated with the iconic founder Yi Seong-gye (hereinafter referred to as Yi Seong-gye) and formulate specific strategies to leverage them as a key driving force for regional development. The spatial scope of this study encompasses 14 cities and counties in Jeonbuk, and the research methods include a literature review, surveys, and big data analyses.

○ According to the research results, Jeonbuk State houses 51 historic sites associated with Yi Seong-gye, representing 76% of the nation’s 67 sites. Of these 51 sites, 41.2% are managed and protected by central and local governments, meaning that the region’s institutional foundation for site preservation and utilization is in place. Additionally, the analysis of oral literature identified 28 folklore stories directly related to Jeonbuk State, demonstrating the region’s rich cultural storytelling resources. 

○ We identified a total of 2,192 scholarly works and publications related to Yi Seong-gye, with books accounting for the majority (1,489, 67.9%). Research has been conducted across multiple disciplines, including the humanities, and the number of studies has sharply increased since the 2000s. Local academic journals are spearheading research endeavors in Jeonbuk State, which is the region confirmed to be the most associated with Yi Seong-gye following Gangwon-do.

○ Our analysis of The Annals of King Taejo revealed the particular relevance of Jeonbuk to Yi Seong-gye as follows: 1) elevating the administrative status of Jeonbuk by promoting Jeonju to Wansan-bu (administrative district) and appointing “Buyun” (district head), 2) establishing Jeonbuk as a strategic point of defense against Japanese attacks, 3) building a close relationship with Yi Seong-gye, 4) strengthening the presence of Jeonbuk as a symbol of loyalty, and 5) recognizing Jeonbuk’s importance as the royal placenta chamber. In these contexts, The Annals of King Taejo serves as an invaluable trove that sheds light on the close connections between Jeonbuk State and Yi Seong-gye. 

○ Furthermore, our big data analyses ascertained a strong correlation between the keyword “Taejo Yi Seong-gye” and Jeonbuk-related keywords. Surveys of experts and Jeonbuk residents also confirmed positive public opinion about the utilization of historical and cultural assets associated with Yi Seong-gye. In addition, TEXTOM-driven web document analyses identified the strong presence of keywords such as “Jeonju,” “Gyeonggijeon Shrine,” and “Hanok Village,” suggesting the close association between Yi Seong-gye and Jeonju deeply rooted in the mind of the general public.

○ Leveraging domestic and international case studies centered on bringing back historical figures, we derived success factors (e.g., regional branding, development of cultural tourism products, and operation of relevant educational programs) from the cases of Yi Sun-sin (Yeosu), Kim Dae-jung (Jeonnam and Gwangju), Jang Bogo (Jeonnam), Shakespeare (the UK and the US), and José de San Martín (Argentina). These cases carry significant implications in that they reinterpreted the lives and achievements of historical figures in a modern way and developed unique cultural content by synergistically incorporating them into regional characteristics.

○ We propose the following policy tasks based on the above analyses. (Top-priority core projects)

1. Construction of complex cultural facilities and landmarks related to Yi Seong-gye (required budget: KRW 100 billion)

2. Application of the one-source multi-use strategy to existing historical and cultural assets associated with Yi Seong-gye (required budget: KRW 3 billion)

3. Creation of a unique image encompassing TTeunbongsaem Eco Park, Jeonbuk State, and K-life economy: Brand development and promotion using TTeunbongsaem Eco Park, a historical and cultural asset associated with Yi Seong-gye (required budget: KRW 1 billion)

(High-priority mid- to long-term projects)  

1. Establishment and operation of a research institute dedicated to Yi Seong-gye to generate sustainable regional content (required budget: KRW 5 billion)

2. Creation of historical and cultural festivals promoting Yi Seong-gye (required budget: KRW 1 billion)

3. Operation of Jeonbuk’s educational programs to facilitate the cultural enjoyment of the region’s next generation (required budget: KRW 2.5 billion)

(Long-term follow-up projects)

1. Renaming of Jeonbuk’s landmarks to feature Yi Seong-gye (required budget: KRW 500 million)

2. Formulation of strategies to synergistically manage various historical and cultural assets scattered across Jeonbuk State (required budget: KRW 2 billion)

○ We believe that Jeonbuk State can adopt these policy tasks to build a mega-regional brand centered on Yi Seong-gye, strengthening the region’s historical and cultural identity and revitalizing its tourism industry, thus creating a virtuous economic cycle. This study warrants particular attention in that it presents a tangible roadmap for Jeonbuk to reinforce its cultural identity and revitalize its local economies by maximizing the use of its assets associated with Yi Seong-gye.

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