Design Proposal for Academic Caps Incorporating Regional Cultural Identity-A Focus on Baekje Heritage and UI Elements-

This study proposes a design for an academic cap that reflects Gongju's regional cultural identity by integrating the structural and aesthetic characteristics of Baekje-period headdresses with the University Identity (UI) system of Kongju National University. In contrast to the standardized Western-style mortarboards commonly used in Korean universities, this research seeks to embed local cultural heritage into academic regalia by drawing on archaeological artifacts excavated from the Gongju and Buyeo regions. Key reference materials include the gilt‑bronze crown from Tomb No. 1 at Suchon-ri, the gilt‑bronze crown from Tomb No. 9 at Sinchon-ri, the silver crown ornaments and iron headband from Tomb No. 36 at Neungan-gol, the silver crown ornaments from the Mireuksa Temple Site, and the silver crown ornaments from Tomb No. 16 at Bokam-ri. Analysis of these artifacts revealed structural principles—such as the frame-like kante (headband) structure, symmetrical ornamental compositions, upward-oriented silhouettes, and metal ornament attachment systems—that can be effectively adapted for modern academic cap design. The findings confirm that the Baekje kante structure can enhance the stability, durability, and formal coherence required for contemporary academic headwear. Moreover, the symmetrical patterns and axial composition observed in the Neungan-gol, Mireuksa, and Bokam-ri crown ornaments were reinterpreted into a modern central emblem that symbolically conveys academic accomplishment and ceremonial authority. The upper decorative element of the Sinchon-ri gilt‑bronze crown was also simplified into a lightweight, icon-based motif suitable for safe and practical use during graduation ceremonies. In addition, the university's UI color system was selectively incorporated into the kante and central emblem to achieve visual coherence with the academic gown while maintaining appropriate ceremonial dignity. Drawing upon these analytical insights, the study presents three design proposals for the academic cap, each illustrating a different strategy for harmonizing Baekje visual heritage with contemporary institutional symbolism. This study also considers practical considerations, such as modular ornament construction, lightweight materials, and resistance to wear, ensuring applicability in mass rental and repeated-use systems. Overall, this study contributes to the field by introducing a design methodology that synthesizes regional cultural heritage with modern academic symbolism, offering a substantive model for culturally grounded academic regalia in South Korea. Nonetheless, limitations remain, particularly the absence of physical prototype production and user testing. Future studies should include prototype fabrication, ergonomic evaluations, and user perception analyses to further validate and refine the proposed designs.