Revamped Cultural Heritage Procedures Boost Public Benefits: Excavation Surveys, Digital Initiatives, Restoration Projects, and More

Cultural Heritage Administration Completes Revision of Excavation and Investigation Procedures for Buried Cultural Assets, Increasing Public Benefits

The Cultural Heritage Administration has successfully completed the revision of the excavation and investigation procedures for buried cultural assets, aiming to enhance the benefits for the public. This revision, scheduled for completion in February, will pave the way for new projects that prioritize the welfare of the citizens.

Enhanced Policies for the Year

As part of this year’s initiatives, the Cultural Heritage Administration has introduced several new policies. These include financial support for diagnostic surveys of buried cultural assets, the establishment of a digital infrastructure for socially vulnerable groups, restoration of Changdeokgung Palace’s Donhwamun Gate, support for outstanding inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, the development of a foundation for utilizing shared cultural assets, the creation of a comprehensive infrastructure for the national heritage, and the improvement of national heritage landscapes.

Financial Support for Diagnostic Surveys

The budget for diagnostic surveys of buried cultural assets has been increased to 50 billion won, a 20% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the scope of support has been expanded to reach a wider range of projects.

Revision of Excavation and Investigation Procedures

The Cultural Heritage Administration is currently in the process of revising the regulations regarding the methods and procedures for excavation surveys. The aim is to enable support for excavation surveys in cases such as parking lot development, cemetery construction, and agricultural and forestry cultivation. The revised regulations will limit the development area to 5000 square meters or less.

Objectives of the Cultural Heritage Administration

The Cultural Heritage Administration has stated that the revision of the regulations on excavation and investigation procedures, initiated in late last year, aims to support the costs of excavation surveys for development activities that are not classified as construction under the Building Act. The administration plans to complete this revision by February.

Protection and Management of Buried Cultural Assets

Since 2004, the Cultural Heritage Administration has been providing support for the investigation of buried cultural assets during small-scale construction projects. This initiative has effectively reduced the financial burden on excavation surveys and facilitated the efficient protection and management of buried cultural assets.

Achievements in the Past Year

Starting from last year, the Cultural Heritage Administration has been fully supporting diagnostic surveys, including sample surveys and excavation surveys, for residential buildings, sports facilities, warehouse facilities, factories, and certain types of community facilities. As of October, there have been 239 diagnostic surveys conducted, with an increase of approximately 10 cases by December.

Establishment of Digital Infrastructure for Socially Vulnerable Groups

The Cultural Heritage Administration will allocate 1.7 billion won to establish a digital infrastructure for socially vulnerable groups. This initiative aims to produce digital teaching materials based on cultural heritage and provide experiential and educational programs to facilities for people with disabilities and schools in rural areas.

Restoration of Changdeokgung Palace’s Donhwamun Gate

Changdeokgung Palace’s Donhwamun Gate has received the lowest evaluation in cultural heritage monitoring assessments over the past three years. To address this, a restoration project has been planned until 2026, with a budget of 2 billion won allocated for this year. Temporary entrances will be set up during the restoration project to alleviate inconvenience for visitors.

Support for Outstanding Inheritors of Intangible Cultural Heritage

Outstanding inheritors of intangible cultural heritage will now receive a monthly subsidy of 500,000 won to support their transmission activities. This initiative aims to alleviate the economic difficulties faced by these individuals. The Cultural Heritage Administration has selected over 270 outstanding inheritors, who will receive the subsidy for two years starting at the end of this month.

By Hyun-kyung Lee, Journalist