□ Background: Repositioning Later Baekje from a "Forgotten Kingdom" to an Icon of Innovation

- Later Baekje (900–936) stands as the final missing piece in understanding ancient Korean history. As the successor to Baekje, it established its own system of governance and maintained active relations with Wuyue and Later Tang in China.

- However, due to its short lifespan, a Goryeo-centered historical narrative, and the scarcity of surviving above-ground remains, the historical significance of Later Baekje has long been underestimated.

- The January 2023 amendment to the Special Act on the Maintenance of Historical and Cultural Zones designated Later Baekje as Korea's ninth Historical and Cultural Zone. Furthermore, the global spread of K-Culture has fueled growing interest in Korea's unique historical narratives, creating an opportunity for transformative growth.

□ Situational Assessment and Expert Delphi Analysis

- (Research Achievements) Research conducted by the Jeonbuk Institute and the broader academic community has yielded significant archaeological findings, including the identification of approximately 80 archaeological sites centered on Jeonju, the former royal capital, and their classification into four principal functional types: fortifications, architectural sites, production sites, and burial sites.

- (Expert Analysis Results) The 2026 expert Delphi survey highlighted Later Baekje's compelling historical narrative as its greatest strength while citing the lack of flagship content and low public awareness as its key weaknesses. The experts emphasized the urgent need to shift from showcase-oriented physical reconstruction to digital- and content-driven interpretation and engagement strategies.

□ Vision and Strategic Initiatives: "Smart Core, Global Link"

- (Vision) Establish Later Baekje as "The Royal Capital of Innovation, Reawakened After a Millennium," and transform it into a global hub for K-History tourism by 2030, with the National Later Baekje History and Culture Center serving as its anchor.

- (Three Core Strategic Initiatives) ① [Smart Core] Digital Reconstruction of the Royal Capital: Recreate the buried royal palace and capital city through a full-scale metaverse reconstruction of the Later Baekje royal capital, enhanced by augmented reality, to deliver immersive historical experiences that transcend time and space. ② [Content Link] Flagship K-History Content: Support the production of OSMU-based webtoons, TV dramas, and games featuring Gyeon Hwon's heroic founding of Later Baekje and his tragic downfall, and raise public awareness by launching the Later Baekje Cultural Festival and designating Later Baekje Day. ③ [Space Link] Supra-Regional Tourism Ecosystem: Develop the Grand Tour—The King's Route, connecting Jeonju (royal capital), Wanju (defense), Nonsan (commemoration), and Gyeongbuk (birthplace), and build a four-region governance framework to secure national funding and pursue UNESCO World Heritage inscription.

□ Policy Recommendations and Expected Outcomes

- (Three Key Recommendations) Establish a special provincial account to ensure stable funding, strengthen the Center’s role as a global research hub, and provide private creators with access to an open-source archive.

- (Four Expected Outcomes) Recast Later Baekje's history of defeat as a story of resilience and integration, foster regional pride, encourage visitors to explore destinations throughout Jeonbuk beyond Jeonju Hanok Village, and present a new model for addressing regional depopulation and promoting balanced national development.

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