Cultural Heritage Administration to Open Fifteen Major Restoration Sites Nationwide to the Public

Including Donhwamun Gate at Changdeokgung Palace and Namwon Ancient Tomb Clusters

Experience Traditional Restoration Techniques and Processes Firsthand

Last year, the restoration, maintenance, and repair site of Heungdeokjeon Hall area in Deoksugung Palace was opened to the public.

The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on April 22 that, in order to enhance public understanding of the restoration process of national heritage sites, it will open fifteen major national heritage restoration sites across the country to the public until December. The full process of maintenance and restoration of national heritage sites will be shared, providing a rare opportunity to witness traditional restoration techniques and on-site activities that are not usually accessible to the public.

The sites to be opened cover a wide range of heritage types, including the architecture of Joseon palaces such as Changdeokgung Palace, as well as wooden structures, stone pagodas, and ancient tombs. An official from the Cultural Heritage Administration explained, "We have selected sites that offer excellent accessibility, where visitors can experience key processes, and where safety management measures are thoroughly in place."

The most notable heritage sites this year are Donhwamun Gate at Changdeokgung Palace, which is currently undergoing demolition, and the Yugo-ri and Durak-ri ancient tomb clusters in Namwon, which are under restoration and maintenance. Visitors will be able to observe the entire restoration process firsthand, from excavation to dismantling and ultimately to restoration.

Current status of temporary shelter installation at Donhwamun Gate repair site, Changdeokgung Palace.

The restoration site of Seoul Munmyo Shrine and the Daeseongjeon Hall at Sungkyunkwan, which has been open to the public since 2024, will be available for viewing for the last time this year. Over the past period, major phases such as roof dismantling and wooden component repairs have been introduced step by step. This time, the final stage of restoration, the painting and decorative finishing process (dancheong), will be on display.

Other sites to be opened include the restoration of Yeonghundang Hall area at Gyeongbokgung Palace, restoration and maintenance of Heungdeokjeon area at Deoksugung Palace, dismantling and repair of the Wontongjeon Hall at Pagyesa Temple in Daegu, dismantling and repair of the Daegwangjeon Hall at Sinheungsa Temple in Yangsan, preservation treatment of the Stele of Monk Jingamseonsa at Ssanggyesa Temple in Hadong, dismantling of the fortress wall at Nakan-eupseong Fortress in Suncheon, and dismantling and repair of Geumseonggwan Hall in Naju.

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