Overseas Cultural Heritage Recovery Soars 10-Fold: Unveiling Historical Treasures

Overseas Cultural Heritage Recovery Increases by 10 Times! A Glimpse into Historical Value

According to the Cultural Heritage Administration and the Overseas Cultural Heritage Foundation, the number of cultural heritage items recovered from overseas has increased by approximately 10 times compared to the previous year. A total of 1083 cultural heritage items have been successfully recovered, bringing the total to 1550 items.

Efforts and Successes in Recovery

The Cultural Heritage Administration estimates that there are currently around 230,000 cultural heritage items located overseas. To recover these valuable artifacts, the administration has been actively collecting information through local cooperation networks and utilizing emergency funds for urgent purchases.

Among the notable cultural heritage items recovered this year, the “Daedongyeojido” map stands out. This map, created by the Joseon Dynasty geographer Kim Jeong-ho, supplements and enhances the content of existing maps, providing a comprehensive depiction of the Korean Peninsula.

Another significant recovery was the “Myobeop Yeonhwagyeong Volume 6 (Goryeo Dynasty),” a well-preserved Buddhist cultural heritage item that has been carefully conserved for approximately 700 years.

In July, the recovery of the “Goryeo Najeon Gukhwa Neungumgyeongsangja” box drew attention. This rare example of Goryeo inlaid celadon, after approximately 800 years, continues to exhibit exceptional artistic value and preservation status.

Voluntary Donations and Collaborative Efforts

In addition to recovery efforts, overseas collectors have made voluntary donations of cultural heritage items. Noteworthy donations include 1075 paintings by Seohwa and Jeon Jeong-ryu, as well as photographic materials collected by the Minter couple.

The materials donated by the Minter couple, who served as members of the Peace Corps in Korea from 1969 to 1975, are highly valued for their contribution to Korean modern history and regional history research. These materials are currently preserved at the National Library of Korea and the Busan Museum.

Furthermore, Professor Mark Peterson’s donation of the “Baekja Cheonghwajeong Buin Yangjujo-si Burial Site” has played a significant role in the restoration of this burial site, which belonged to Yangjujo-si, the wife of the first US Ambassador to Korea, Park Jeong-yang.

Preservation and Future Plans

The Cultural Heritage Administration emphasizes the importance of recovering overseas cultural heritage for preservation and passing it down to future generations. To achieve this, they plan to maintain continuous cooperation with overseas foundations and strengthen the administrative-local cooperation network to enhance the excavation and recovery of overseas cultural heritage.

The Cultural Heritage Administration is committed to systematically managing and preserving our cultural heritage for the present and future generations. Through these plans, they aim to ensure the systematic preservation and management of our cultural heritage.

Sources: Newsis