Gochang World Heritage Dolmen Museum Certified in Ministry of Culture’s Public Museum Evaluation

Selected as a Certified Institution for Three Consecutive Terms

The 'Gochang World Heritage Dolmen Museum' in Jeollabuk-do has been selected as a certified institution for the third consecutive time in the '2025 Public Museum Evaluation and Certification System' organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

A view of the Gochang World Heritage Dolmen Museum. Provided by Gochang County

According to Gochang County on November 26, the Public Museum Evaluation and Certification System is a legally mandated evaluation conducted every three years to enhance the professionalism of museum operations and the quality of public services. It comprehensively assesses factors such as the achievement of the museum’s founding purpose, the thoroughness of artifact collection and management, and the performance of exhibition and educational program operations.

The evaluation and certification system covered 296 public museums nationwide, and final selections were made through a document review, on-site evaluations, and a final review by the selection committee.

In this year’s evaluation, the Gochang World Heritage Dolmen Museum received high praise from the judges for its continuous and professional research activities on dolmen sites, systematic artifact management, and its ability to plan exhibitions that effectively and profoundly convey the value of World Heritage.

Opened in 2008, the Gochang World Heritage Dolmen Museum is the first-class museum specializing in dolmens. It offers a comprehensive view of various artifacts and lifestyles from the Bronze Age, as well as dolmen cultures from around the world, attracting more than 140,000 visitors annually.

In July of this year, the museum changed its name from Gochang Dolmen Museum to Gochang World Heritage Dolmen Museum and is preparing projects to establish itself as a global museum beyond the national level.

Next year, the museum will host a variety of academic and scholarly events, including an international academic conference, a national treasure traveling exhibition, and special exhibitions. Additionally, a dolmen utilization program, selected as part of the National Heritage Administration’s public contest project for next year, is planned.

Sim Deokseop, Mayor of Gochang County, stated, "This third consecutive certification is a meaningful achievement that demonstrates the museum’s professionalism and academic value at the national level." He added, "We will continue to strengthen research, exhibitions, and education related to dolmen heritage to widely promote the value of the World Heritage dolmen sites."

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