The production and consumption of tradition: a comparative spatial analysis of Bukchon Hanok village and Yangdong village in South Korea

This study investigates how the notion of tradition is both produced and consumed within the spatial transformations of two Korean traditional villages: Bukchon Hanok Village and Yangdong Village. Drawing from Henri Lefebvre’s theory of the production of space, the research employs field observation, policy analysis, and textual data mining to analyze the evolving spatial practices, symbolic representations, and policy-driven reconstructions of these heritage sites. The study reveals that in Bukchon, tradition is actively commodified – urban-style hanoks are refitted for tourist consumption, retaining a traditional facade while functioning as cafés, galleries, or guesthouses. In contrast, Yangdong Village is preserved under a rigid conservation regime as a UNESCO World Heritage site, prioritizing architectural fixity over lived adaptability, leading to tensions with contemporary residential needs. This paper conceptualizes tradition as a dynamic and contested process, wherein spatial forms are selectively stabilized or reconfigured to satisfy national narratives, global heritage frameworks, and tourist imaginaries. The findings advocate for a balanced approach to heritage management that addresses the dual imperatives of authenticity and livability.