Now, the conservation policy of historic environments in Korea which started in early 1980's, is in a danger. In addition, because of economic crisis started last year, the concerns for historic environments are growing weaker. However, this situation can be a good opportunity to prepare for the coming conservation works, The purpose of this study is to find clues for conservation of historic environments by considering foreign precedents. For concrete results, this study selects historic rural settlements as a case and focuses on the relationship among related people in the light of the their rights. Based on the consideration of foreign precedents, three different characters in the conservation process could be identified compared with korean cases; 1) Except partial works of public sector, generally the conservation process is under the control of nonprofit groups and residents themselves, 2) Conservation methods include with the proper change process for the sustainable settlement, and avoid the unconditional past-oriented approach, 3) Conservation methods are composed of not only the preservation of external forms such as assets but also the continuous participation and management of the community. And the most important clue which has been extracted is that the diverse rights of related people in the historic rural settlements should be kept in balance thoroughly.

• 강동진