The heritage settings potentially play a significant role as a specific social
space within which individuals are able to conceive, define, and reconstruct
elements of national consciousness. This study involves an ethnographicbased
examination of ways in which elements of the past are utilized to redefine
and reaffirm national (cultural) identity within the context of contemporary
South Korean society, where traditional norms and values are arguably
influenced by globalized processes, norms, and values. It theoretically addresses
and empirically substantiates the need for comprehensive and analytical
insights concerning heritage and articulations of national identity, focusing on
the intermediating roles of heritage tourism in establishing and facilitating the
individual and contextual processes of identity reconstruction. Critical focus is
placed on contextualizing ways in which South Korean nationals, particularly
younger generations, encounter emotional attachments to the nation during
heritage tourism experiences in Changdeokgung palace in Seoul. This study
employs a range of ethnographic strategies including in-depth interviews and
friendly conversations as an efficient tool to gain intimate and insightful
knowledge of the specific social setting.