Seoul to Implement Preservation Measures for 'Gwanghwamun Square Excavated Cultural Relics' Before Rainy Season

From June 1, Backfilling of Cultural Heritage Excavation Sections at Gwanghwamun Square for Cultural Heritage Protection
Experts' Review Meeting Suggests Protective Measures for Cultural Heritage Remains Before Rain by Cultural Heritage Committee Members

As Seoul City unveiled relics including traces of the Joseon Dynasty Yukjo Street discovered during the redevelopment of Gwanghwamun Square, citizens participating in the public on-site program for buried cultural assets on the 23rd are observing the Saheonbu area of Yukjo Street. Seoul City initially planned to limit the public program to 200 people twice a day through prior registration, but decided to change the operation to a total of 30 sessions, three times a day, accommodating 500 applicants including those who exceeded the initial quota. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Seoul City announced on the 31st that it will implement safety measures (covering with soil) before the rainy season to protect the cultural heritage excavated in relation to the new Gwanghwamun Square construction and ensure citizens' safety.

Following the protection measures suggested during the cultural heritage preservation review process (May 21, expert review meeting), Seoul City will cover the excavated remains with high-quality soil from June 1 to preserve them in situ.

A preservation plan reflecting expert and citizen opinions will be prepared, and after consulting with the Cultural Heritage Administration (Buried Cultural Properties Committee), the final methods for preservation and utilization will be decided. The investigation results confirmed various remains in some survey sections, including government office sites from the Joseon Dynasty (15th-19th centuries), residential sites, walls, wells, waterways, and gate sites (munji, locations where gates once stood).

The excavated cultural heritage was presented to the public on-site to gather citizens' opinions, and for those unable to visit, video materials will be produced and made available online.

Jung Sang-taek, head of the Gwanghwamun Square Promotion Team, stated, “We will implement covering with soil to protect the excavated cultural heritage and preserve and utilize the excavated cultural heritage according to the Cultural Heritage Committee's review results.”

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