AHP-Based Evaluation Framework for Rural Architectural Heritage: A Case Study of Buyeo, Korea

Rural architectural heritage sites in Korea, such as rice mills, breweries, and granaries, face increasing risks of neglect, deterioration, and demolition. Most of these structures are not recognized within formal heritage designation systems, and no established evaluation framework exists. Consequently, their conservation and management remain challenging. This study proposes a comprehensive evaluation framework for the preservation and utilization of rural architectural heritage. Based on a literature review and expert consultation, 18 evaluation indicators were derived and grouped into six value criteria: historical, architectural/artistic, social/cultural, landscape, economic, and utilitarian values. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to determine the relative importance and priority of these indicators. Historical value received the highest weight, followed by architectural/artistic and social/cultural values. Among the 18 indicators, “representativeness of the period” ranked highest, followed by “rarity,” “historicity,” “local identity,” and “architectural excellence.” However, the indicators associated with economic and utilitarian values had relatively low weights. The framework was validated by applying it to 17 rural architectural heritage sites in Buyeo, South Korea. This study presents a systematic and value-based evaluation framework that reflects the regional and industrial characteristics of rural architectural heritage and provides both policy and practical implications for sustainable conservation and adaptive reuse.