A Cultural Landscape Perspective on the Coal-Mining Heritage of Taebaek

This study examines the substance and characteristics of coal-mining heritage distributed across Taebaek City in Gangwon State from the perspective of cultural landscape. To this end, analysis focuses on four dimensions: the transformation of the natural terrain and the introduction of structures; the development of industrial infrastructure and urban formation; environmental changes caused by coal-mining activities; and the formation of the socio-cultural identity of the local community. The results reveal that Taebaek’s mining heritage is not merely remnants of industrial facilities, but a complex cultural landscape layered with the memories of labor, community practices, and landscape transformation. In particular, elements such as mine waste piles, leachate, memorial spaces, religious rituals, and everyday infrastructure function as symbolic spaces that not only reflect the traces of industrialization but also mediate the identity and collective memory of the community. The case of Taebaek illustrates a dynamic landscape where tangible remains and intangible practices converge, demonstrating how structures of life and memory shaped in a high-risk industrial environment remain embedded in place today. This study provides foundational insights for the development of region-based heritage policies and landscape conservation strategies.