Incorporating cultural heritage into creative scholarship and design education: insights from Korean fashion design educators in the United States

Purpose This paper discusses a study aimed to investigate the methodologies used by Korean fashion design educators in the United States in selecting and integrating aspects of their cultural heritage into their creative scholarship and teaching. The primary objectives were twofold: (1) to explore how cultural heritage is incorporated into the creative scholarship of Korean fashion design educators and (2) to evaluate how these educators perceive and apply their creative scholarship and teaching methods that incorporate Korean cultural elements. Design/methodology/approach The research approach involved two distinct phases. Phase One included analyzing the visual content of Korean fashion design educators’ creative works, assessing the influence and representation of Korean cultural elements within their design outputs. Phase Two entailed in-depth, semi-structured interviews with Korean fashion design educators. Findings Korean fashion design educators engage deeply with their cultural heritage, demonstrating a profound understanding and appreciation through the innovative integration of traditional elements into their creative scholarship. The study indicated the transformative potential of embedding cultural elements within educational practices. By introducing students to a wide array of cultural narratives and perspectives, it was found that design educators can significantly broaden learning horizons, fostering an environment that celebrates diversity, promotes inclusivity and encourage students to explore cultural identity within their creative journeys. Originality/value The study emphasized the significant role of cultural heritage in shaping creative and educational practices in fashion design, emphasizing the need for a culturally inclusive approach to design education and highlighting the essential role of cultural diversity in driving creativity and innovation within the international design community.