• KOMUNHWA
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• no.68
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• pp.41-57
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• 2006

The purpose of this study is to review educational value of cultural heritage sites first and then, to examine the importance of interpretation and interpretation methods and process briefly to utilize cultural heritage sites as important resources for public education and cultural tourism. The educational value of cultural heritage sites is not limited to provide visitors with various information on historical facts and events related to the cultural heritage site, but to provide the public with a new recognition of the importance of the preservation of cultural heritage sites by understanding the site well. In order to utilize the educational value of the cultural heritage site, interpretation must be emphasized as an important element of cultural heritage sites management and much attention should be given on the development and practice of interpretation programs in each cultural heritage site. In order to develop an interpretation program of the site, a specific target audience must be defined first to find most resonable scope and direction of an interpretation program and then, site specific interpretation themes (or a theme) should be developed from the interpretive topic. According to these defined elements, an interpretation program(s) is established by using various interpretation methods and techniques in order to provide visitors with useful information and knowledge on the site efficiently. Interpretation methods and techniques are various as defined by various ways and most effective methods or techniques are employed as a specific interpretation program is presented most effectively. The evaluation processes in planing stage, during developing stage, and after completion of interpretation program development are important processes to find out any problems of planed interpretation program and to revise or update the interpretation program. Conclusively, the direction of cultural heritage sites management in Korea has focused on the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage sites to preserve the original conditions of cultural heritage sites so far. This direction on current practice on cultural heritage sites management should he changed to more active utilization of the sites and interpretation of the sites is a way to accomplish the this goal.