Second Phase of Silla Royal Capital Restoration Unveiled... Connecting Wolseong and Hwangnyongsa Temple Site as a Historical and Cultural Belt

Transitioning from Point-Based Excavations to Area-Based Restoration
Hwangnyongsa Nine-Story Wooden Pagoda Realized through AR and VR

Gyeongju Silla Royal Capital

The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on April 6 the establishment and release of the "2026-2030 Comprehensive Plan for the Restoration and Maintenance of the Core Sites of the Silla Royal Capital." As a follow-up to the first phase, which has been underway since 2021, the new plan aims to further advance the project system based on the achievements accumulated so far.

Whereas the first phase focused on archaeological excavation and academic achievements, the second phase aims to reconstruct the entire urban structure of the Silla Royal Capital in a more multidimensional manner. In particular, major hubs such as Wolseong, Donggung, Wolji, and Hwangnyongsa Temple Site will be interconnected via ancient roads, water systems, and green corridors. An official from the Cultural Heritage Administration explained, "Through area-based maintenance, we plan to sequentially create a historical and cultural belt that allows visitors to walk through and directly experience the reality of the Silla Royal Capital."

To enhance public access without damaging the original form of the heritage, digital restoration will also be promoted. Key structures such as the nine-story wooden pagoda of Hwangnyongsa Temple and the core building complexes of Wolseong will be precisely recreated using AR and VR technologies, providing immersive content.

A Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) meeting international standards will be conducted to ensure responsible maintenance. From the planning stage, the impact on the outstanding universal value of the heritage will be scientifically analyzed to prevent excessive development and avoid controversies over potential damage, as well as to proactively protect the heritage from external threats such as the climate crisis.

The visitor infrastructure will also be enhanced. The promotional exhibition halls at Donggung and Wolji, and Cheomseongdae will be upgraded, and visitor convenience will be improved by developing trails, rest areas, and enhancing nighttime landscape lighting.

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