August 8, 10:39

South Korea presents plan to turn culture into economic power, which could serve as an example for Iran

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Korea presented an ambitious strategy to President Lee Jae-myung aimed at transforming Korean culture into the main driver of the national economy. The primary goal of this plan is to create conditions to attract 40 million foreign visitors annually, which is a significant increase compared to the forecast of 23 million for the current year. The concept, named 'regional revitalization and going global through K-culture, sports, and tourism,' serves as a model for countries like Iran, which possesses a rich cultural heritage but faces difficulties in fully realizing this potential for economic growth and soft power.

South Korea intends to actively develop its content industries, including film, music, publishing, and games, as a future key sector of the economy. The plan includes expanding financial support through guarantees and loans, as well as increasing investments in major intellectual assets for the global market. One of the key policy decisions currently being finalized is the introduction of a 'holding' system for films, which will mandate a waiting period between theatrical release and streaming platform debut, thereby protecting the income of the film industry and the health of the sector.

For Iran, which has a deep cinematic history and a rich literary and musical heritage, this system could serve as a benchmark. Tehran could consider implementing similar support mechanisms for its own film and music industries, using the 'holding' system to strengthen local cinemas against the onslaught of international streaming services, which would help preserve the unique cultural narrative and support local creative talents.

To achieve the goal of 40 million tourists, the ministry plans large-scale infrastructure improvements. This includes modernizing airports, ports, and hotel facilities, as well as simplifying visa regulations. A significant part of this strategy focuses on developing regional tourism products to attract guests outside the capital, including plans to build two large multi-purpose dome stadiums capable of hosting both sporting events and concerts.

Iran's extensive historical attractions and diverse climate are strong tourist magnets, yet this sector is often constrained by infrastructural gaps and regulatory barriers. South Korea's focus on easing visa procedures and developing regional centers offers a tangible model. For instance, Iran could invest in specialized tourist destinations around its historic cities (Isfahan, Shiraz) and natural wonders while improving its hotel base. South Korea's investments in modern venues for global events could inspire Iran to upgrade its facilities for hosting international cultural festivals, which is critical for demonstrating its non-resource economic potential.

The ministry has committed to improving working conditions for artists by ensuring access to social security and financial assistance, including subsistence loans. Furthermore, there is a shift away from traditional funding through state competitions towards a broader range of support measures. The plan also emphasizes the need to increase the attractiveness of regions outside of Seoul by expanding cultural and sports facilities and attracting specialists to local levels.

Like their Korean counterparts, many Iranian artists face economic instability. The South Korean model, which provides for social insurance and diverse financial support, can serve as a template for supporting Iranian cultural workers. Moreover, the policy of decentralizing cultural infrastructure outside the capital resonates deeply in Iran. Although Tehran is a cultural hub, cities such as Tabriz, Mashhad, and Shiraz possess distinct cultural identities that can be developed as regional cultural centers to stimulate the local economy and ensure a fairer distribution of tourism revenue, following the South Korean strategy.

In conclusion, the South Korean plan represents a comprehensive strategy for utilizing culture, sports, and tourism as pillars of national prosperity in the 21st century. Although Iran has its own unique geopolitical and cultural context, the core principles of investing in creative industries, supporting artists, modernizing tourism infrastructure, and decentralizing development are universally applicable. By analyzing and adapting elements of this model, Iran can leverage its unparalleled cultural wealth to drive economic growth, enhance its international standing, and create a more dynamic society for its citizens.

www.tehrantimes.comAugust 7, 19:42

Review of South Korean Architectural Heritage in Iran: The Ekbatan Project Example

Discussions about the relationship between Iran and South Korea often focus on trade volumes, the petrochemical industry, or technology transfer. However, according to a recent analytical report by the Iran-South Korea Joint Chamber of Commerce, the foundation of the partnership is much deeper and more inspiring than commonly believed. This story goes beyond simple commercial interaction, encompassing a shared concept, architectural mastery, and intercultural engineering, offering valuable lessons for a shared future.

In a detailed review, the Chamber highlights a little-known but significant period of history: the involvement of the prestigious South Korean group SPACE in designing the landmark city of Tehran—Ekbatan—in the 1970s. At a time when Iran was implementing some of the region's most massive urban development projects, the SPACE group, founded by the distinguished architect Kim Soo-un, one of Asia's most influential design thinkers, collaborated with Iranian specialists.

Under the guidance of engineer Rahman Golzar from the Tehran reconstruction and development company, this collaboration merged the philosophy of Korean modernism with the needs of Iranian urban planning. The result was the city of Ekbatan, which remains a model of modern residential planning in Iran today. Its success is attributed not only to building materials but also to the synergy of international experience and local aspirations.

Kim Soo-un, who masterfully combined contemporary forms with traditional Korean aesthetics, later designed the main stadium for the 1988 Seoul Olympics, but his contribution to the urban landscape of Tehran remains one of his most significant international achievements.

The significance of this story today lies not only in its historical interest. It demonstrates that Iran and South Korea have long possessed the potential for genuine technical and intellectual interaction. Nearly half a century before recent waves of diplomatic and economic rapprochement, Korean and Iranian professionals were already exchanging knowledge, building trust, and creating landmarks that will serve future generations.

By publishing this reflection, the Iran-South Korea Joint Chamber of Commerce rightly calls this episode 'one of the least known pages of bilateral history.' However, the author also considers it one of the most encouraging. He reminds us that the relationship between the two countries is defined not by temporary political winds, but by a strong, creative, and people-oriented bond. From urban design to engineering innovations, both nations have proven that together they build better.

When planning the future of infrastructure projects, smart cities, and sustainable development in Iran, the legacy of the SPACE group and Engineer Golzar's team is not just a memory, but a model. It shows that the combination of Korean precision and Iranian vision leads to time-tested results. The future cooperation between Iran and Korea looks promising, as it is built upon a foundation that is often underestimated.

www.tehrantimes.comJuly 28, 16:22

Iran and South Korea Discuss Strengthening Cultural Heritage Cooperation After Alamut Castle's Inclusion in UNESCO List

Following the inscription of the 'Alamut Castle and Associated Fortresses' on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Iran proposed to South Korea the creation of a joint working group to address the restoration, preservation, and digital documentation of cultural heritage.

Proposal and Meeting of Parties

The Iranian Minister of Culture, Tourism and Handicrafts, Seyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, put forward this proposal during meetings held on the sidelines of the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan. He discussed the initiative with Ho Min, head of the Korean Heritage Service, who welcomed the suggestion, according to IRNA on Monday.

New Inclusion in Heritage List

The meeting took place after the UNESCO World Heritage Committee included the complex of sites 'Alamut Castle and Associated Fortresses' as Iran's thirtieth tangible cultural heritage site on the World Heritage List on Sunday. This newly listed site comprises seven castles and fortresses located in the eastern and western valleys of Alamut, as well as on the southern slopes of the Alborz Mountains in Qazvin province.

UNESCO noted that these sites represent an integrated defensive and administrative system that functioned between the 11th and 13th centuries. It was recognized that this site is an example of fortified mountain landscape demonstrating skills in planning, defensive architecture, water resource management, and spatial organization.

Iran's Priorities in Heritage Preservation

Salehi-Amiri called this inclusion a 'historic achievement' for Iran and stated that it marks the beginning of a broader responsibility to protect this site. The Minister emphasized that the people of Iran, especially from Qazvin province, are celebrating the inclusion of Alamut on the list. He noted that this event will remain in the historical memory of the Iranian nation forever.

He added that this recognition increases the responsibility of both Iran and the international community to preserve, present, and transmit this heritage to future generations. The Minister also mentioned the damage inflicted upon 149 historical sites in Iran due to recent attacks, which he linked to the Israeli and United States regimes, stating the need to utilize the experience of countries that have restored damaged cultural heritage.

Seeking Partnership with South Korea

Salehi-Amiri pointed out that South Korea, possessing valuable experience in cultural heritage restoration, could be an important partner on this path. He invited Ho Min to visit Iran and stated that the country's Institute of Cultural Heritage Research, with nearly a century of experience, is ready to cooperate with Korean colleagues through joint scientific projects and exchanges.

The Minister also reported that Iran is prioritizing digital transformation in the heritage sector, including the use of intelligent technologies, three-dimensional documentation of historical sites, and artificial intelligence to present Iranian cultural heritage to an international audience. The parties discussed cooperation in conservation, restoration, specialist training, digitization, artificial intelligence, joint exhibitions, and professional exchanges.

Iran's Interests and Korea's Stance

Furthermore, Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage Ali Darabi expressed Iran's interest in utilizing South Korea's expertise in restoration, museum management, digital technologies, and heritage documentation. Darabi predicts that the number of museums in Iran will soon reach about 1000, creating opportunities for joint exhibitions and the exchange of cultural artifacts between the two states. He also noted that signing a memorandum of understanding between the heritage bodies of Iran and South Korea would provide a foundation for long-term cooperation.

Ho Min expressed sympathy regarding the recent situation in Iran and noted that the participation of the Iranian delegation in the Busan meeting demonstrated the country's commitment to cultural heritage. He stressed that no single country can fully protect humanity's common heritage alone, and international cooperation is the most vital way to preserve this shared legacy.

Ho Min stated that a mechanism will be established after the UNESCO meeting to maintain cooperation with participating countries, including Iran. Recalling South Korea's post-war cultural heritage restoration, he acknowledged Iran's circumstances and expressed willingness to cooperate in restoring damaged monuments, training specialists, applying artificial intelligence, digital documentation, and joint heritage projects. He characterized the inclusion of Alamut Castle as an important development for both Iran and the global community, expressing hope that it will mark the beginning of a new phase of strategic partnership between the two countries in the field of cultural heritage.

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