World Heritage Site Submerged Up to the Roof... Cultural Heritage Damages Continue Amid Heavy Rainfall

Gyeongbuk 8 Cases, Chungnam 7 Cases, Jeonnam 6 Cases, etc.

Due to the heavy rain pouring nationwide, damage to cultural properties such as the UNESCO World Heritage Baekje Historic Areas, treasures, historic sites, and natural monuments is also occurring continuously.

According to the Cultural Heritage Administration on the 16th, since the start of the monsoon season on the 23rd of last month until 5 p.m. on this day, there have been a total of 34 cases of damage to national heritage caused by heavy rain. By type, there are ▲1 treasure ▲19 historic sites ▲5 natural monuments and 5 national folk cultural properties each ▲3 scenic sites ▲1 registered cultural property.

By region, there are ▲8 cases in Gyeongbuk ▲7 in Chungnam ▲6 in Jeonnam ▲4 in Jeonbuk ▲3 in Gangwon ▲2 in Chungbuk ▲and 1 each in Seoul, Busan, Gwangju, and Gyeonggi.

Flooding and Erosion of Historic Sites Due to Heavy Rain and Wind

Due to heavy rain pouring down in the Chungcheong region, Manharu within Gongsanseong Fortress (Historic Site No. 12) in Gongju-si, Chungnam, was submerged in water.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

In particular, the damage was significant in Chungnam, including Gongju and Buyeo, the ancient capitals of Baekje.

At Gongju Gongsanseong, one of the Baekje Historic Areas registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a historic site, the pavilion Manharu was flooded up to the roof due to three days of continuous rain. This was revealed again on the morning of the 16th as the water of the Geum River receded.

Additionally, part of the fortress wall near another pavilion, Gongsanjeong, was washed away, and soil slid down the lower part of Geumseoru, the western gate tower.

Some soil was eroded at Gongju Muryeongwang Tomb and the royal tomb site. At the Suchon-ri tumulus cluster in Gongju, some sloped areas collapsed.

At the Buyeo royal tomb site, where royal-level tombs from the Sabi period (538?660), when Baekje had its capital in Buyeo, are concentrated, part of the slope of Tomb No. 2 in the western tumulus cluster was eroded.

The Buyeo Yeoheung Min clan's old house, built in the late 19th century and designated as a national folk cultural property, had its outer wall of the servant quarters collapse.

Emergency Measures Taken to Prevent Further Damage... Restoration Plans Once Weather Improves

Part of the stone retaining wall of the three-story stone pagoda in Sincheon-ri, Yeonggwang, collapsed by 10 meters due to heavy rain.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

At Andong Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site and national folk cultural property, fences of four houses were damaged. At the scenic site Mungyeong Saejae, part of the drainage channel was washed away. In Bonghwa, Cheongamjeong and Seokcheon Valley experienced river flooding, damaging nearby streetlights, lighting, railings, and other facilities. Access is currently restricted, and restoration work is underway.

Earlier on the 14th in Seoul, about a 15-meter section of the Hwaggye fence, a terraced flower bed behind Cheongdeokgung Injeongjeon, was damaged. To prevent further collapse, a tarp was placed over it, and restoration is planned once the weather improves.

The treasure "Yeonggwang Myoryang-myeon Sincheon-ri Three-story Stone Pagoda," presumed to be an early Goryeo period stone pagoda, had about 10 meters of stone retaining wall located 2 meters from the pagoda collapse. A temporary protective barrier was installed to prevent additional damage.

The Paleolithic site near the Geum River, Gongju Seokjang-ri site, was flooded, leading to restricted access to the Seokjang-ri Museum. Museum staff have entered emergency duty mode and moved all stored artifacts to a safe location.

However, since rain is forecast to continue nationwide for the time being, further damage may occur.

The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "Emergency measures have been completed, and to prevent additional damage, we plan to accept applications for emergency repair projects and provide related budget support."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.