Regional Care Centers to Join Regular Inspections of National Treasure and Treasure Architectural Heritage

Strengthening Lifecycle Management of Cultural Heritage
Pilot Program Launched in Collaboration with Regional Care Centers

The National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage announced on September 2 that it will launch a pilot program for regular inspections in collaboration with regional Cultural Heritage Care Centers, aiming to strengthen the "lifecycle management" of designated architectural cultural heritage, including National Treasures and Treasures.

On-site investigation of the five-story stone pagoda at Geumsansa Temple in Gimje last July
[Photo by National Heritage Administration]

Currently, the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage conducts regular inspections of 855 architectural cultural heritage sites designated as National Treasures or Treasures (as of the end of March) on a three- or five-year cycle. Of these, 705 sites are also subject to ongoing monitoring by 24 regional Cultural Heritage Care Centers nationwide.

The pilot project will be carried out at sixteen sites, including Bangchojeong Pavilion in Gimcheon (Treasure), which received an "A (Good)" or "B (Minor Repair)" rating in the previous inspection. Eight Care Centers from the regions of North Chungcheong, North Gyeongsang, South Jeolla, and North Jeolla Provinces will participate.

The inspection process involves on-site checks by the Care Centers, followed by a review by the Safety and Disaster Prevention Research Division of the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage. The final status rating is determined through expert consultation and coordination with relevant departments.

The Institute stated, "By combining a decade of accumulated experience from regular inspections with the preventive management capabilities of the Care Centers, we can assess the condition of cultural heritage with greater precision," adding, "Lifecycle management of national heritage will be further strengthened."

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