The Evolution of the Concept and Practical Application of Cultural Diversity in Korea

Abstract

The UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions spurred Korean society to take an interest in and practice the concept of cultural diversity. Although the discourse on cultural diversity in Korea began from the fight to protect the domestic film industry over the screen quota system, it evolved to contribute ultimately to the growth of diversity within Korean society. This study examines how the cultural diversity discourse assisted Korea in overcoming the cognitive obstacles that Korean society faced in the process of transitioning into a multicultural society. In particular, this study reviews the role of the 2014 Act on the Protection and Promotion of Cultural Diversity in solidifying Korean society’s internal diversity by establishing the legal grounds and systems for paving a suitable path for cultural diversity in Korean society. In addition, special attention is given to how the 2005 UNESCO Convention continues to be an effective tool for protecting cultural diversity in the new digital age.