The purpose of this study is to empirically verify how the preservation and utilization of cultural heritage affects the desire to enjoy cultural heritage of local residents. A structural model was established between preservation of cultural heritage, utilization of cultural heritage, interest in cultural heritage, and willingness to participate in cultural heritage, and a survey was conducted targeting 450 residents living in the vicinity of cultural heritage. As a result of the analysis, interest in cultural heritage was found to have a direct effect (+) on the willingness to participate in cultural heritage, and preservation and utilization of cultural heritage were found to have an indirect effect (+) on the willingness to participate in cultural heritage. Therefore, it can be seen that the awareness of preservation and utilization of cultural heritage of residents makes them interested in cultural heritage, and this interest leads to their willingness to participate in cultural heritage. Based on these results, this study presents policy implications, focusing on strategies for preserving and utilizing regional cultural heritage, increasing interest in cultural heritage, and increasing willingness to participate in cultural heritage.