Seeking Ways to Restore the Original Form of Baekje Royal Tombs

International Academic Conference in Buyeo on October 29
Comparing Royal Tomb Complexes in Korea, China, and Japan
Discussing Landscape Restoration Plans

Overview of the excavation survey at Royal Tomb No. 4 in Buyeo Royal Tombs Complex

An international academic conference aimed at finding ways to restore the original form of the Baekje royal tombs will be held on October 29 at Sabimaru in the National Buyeo Museum. Experts from Korea, China, and Japan will compare cases of royal tomb complexes in East Asia.

The conference is themed "Restoration Plans for the Landscape of Buyeo Royal Tombs Complex and Future Challenges." The Buyeo Royal Tombs Complex was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Baekje Historic Areas) in 2015. However, its original appearance has been significantly damaged due to grave robbery, incomplete investigations during the Japanese colonial period, and excessive maintenance in the 1960s and 1970s.

The purpose of this event is to share the latest research findings and to compare studies on royal tombs in Korea, China, and Japan in order to reconstruct their original appearance. The conference will be divided into two sections: "Structure" and "Landscape."

In the first session, Professor Oh Dongsun of Suncheon National University will present "Findings and Challenges from the Excavation of Tombs No. 3 and 4 at Buyeo Royal Tombs Complex." Professor Wu Kuibing of Nanjing University in China will discuss "The Structure and Landscape of Southern Dynasties and Sui-Tang Royal Tombs in China." Shinji Saiko, a member of the Asuka Village Board of Education in Nara Prefecture, Japan, will present "Cases of Maintenance and Utilization of Royal Tombs from the Asuka Period."

In the second session, Professor Lee Chanhee of Kongju National University will present "Analysis of Stone Materials and Structural Stability of Buyeo Royal Tombs Complex." Lee Seungki, CEO of Terafix, will discuss "Restoring the Landscape Based on Original Topography." Professor Sung Jungyong of Chungbuk National University will present on "Changes in the Landscape of Baekje Royal Tombs and Directions for Restoration."

Pottery Excavated from Tomb No. 4 at Buyeo Royal Tombs Complex

During the general discussion, chaired by Professor Kwon Oyong of Seoul National University, participants will discuss how to balance preservation and restoration, as well as ways to encourage community participation. A public hearing for local residents will also be held to gather input from the community.

Anyone can participate by registering on-site on the day of the event, and the conference will be broadcast live on the YouTube channel of the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage. Hwang Inho, Director of the National Buyeo Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, stated, "By combining academic research, policy, and local wisdom, we will establish a direction to restore the authenticity of the Baekje royal tombs."

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