Closed Factory in Haman Gayari Historic Site to Be Repurposed as Archaeological Research Base

Unused Facility Within Historic Site to Be Used for Cultural Heritage Research
To Be Converted Into Storage for Excavated Artifacts and Equipment

Exterior view of the closed factory scheduled for remodeling

The National Gaya Cultural Heritage Research Institute of the National Heritage Administration announced on September 24 that it will remodel a closed factory within the Haman Gayari Historic Site to serve as a base for archaeological excavation. This marks the first time in Korea that an unused facility within a historic site will be utilized as a hub for cultural heritage research.

The institute has been conducting research on the Gayari site since 2018, but has faced challenges in carrying out efficient studies due to a lack of storage space for excavated artifacts and insufficient office space for the research team. By moving away from the practice of renting temporary facilities, the institute plans to secure a stable environment for its research activities.

The Gayari site is a royal fortress built during the peak period of Ara Gaya in the 5th and 6th centuries. Various remains, including rammed-earth walls, water reservoirs, and building sites, have been identified. The institute requires a long-term base to conduct systematic research on this site.

The facility to be remodeled is a two-story closed factory located within the historic site. It will be converted into an iron and wood conservation treatment room, a storage area for excavation equipment, and offices for the research team. An official from the institute explained, "By utilizing the existing building, we can save on construction costs and time, and provide workers with a stable work environment."

This project is also significant in terms of resource circulation, as it presents a new model for converting abandoned buildings into cultural heritage research bases. However, the facility will only be operated temporarily during the excavation period. After the research is completed, it will be demolished according to the site maintenance plan.

An official from the institute stated, "This case marks a turning point in sustainable methods for preserving and researching cultural heritage," adding, "We aim to develop this into a model that can be applied to major historic sites nationwide."

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