NRICH

02/09/2026

The Wanju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage (Director: Lee Kyu-hoon) of the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage under the Korea Heritage Service, in collaboration with Gochang County (Governor: Sim Deok-seop), will host an international academic conference on the theme of "The Formation and Landscape Restoration of the Gochang Dolmen Site" at 09:00 a.m. on September 3 at the Gochang Wellpark Hotel Convention Center.

This academic conference was organized to comprehensively examine the formation process and spatial characteristics of the Gochang Dolmen Site, a World Heritage site, and to discuss research findings and methodologies for restoring the landscape of that era with experts from Korea and abroad. In particular, the conference will review case studies of megalithic monuments from countries such as Japan, China, and the United Kingdom to discuss the global historical value of the Gochang Dolmen Site and directions for its preservation and utilization.

The Gochang Dolmen Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a world-renowned site of megalithic monuments featuring a dense concentration of hundreds of dolmens, including various types such as table-type, go-board-type, and capstone-type dolmens. In recognition of this value, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000 alongside the Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites, and has since been the subject of ongoing research and conservation efforts.

The academic conference will proceed in the following order: a keynote address, eight thematic presentations, and a general discussion. In the keynote address, Professor Ha Moon-sig of Yonsei University will shed light on the global historical significance of the Gochang dolmen site under the theme ‘Gochang Dolmens in the Context of Global Megalithic Cultures.’

The following presentations are scheduled: ▲‘Reclassification of the Gochang Dolmen Site Clusters and Analysis of Their Location Characteristics’ (Kang Seok-ju, Wanju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage), ▲‘Technological Choices and Procurement Strategies for Construction Stones at the Gochang Dolmen Site’(Yun Ho-pil and Kim Gyu-joung, Sangju-Museum and Jeonbuk Cultural Property Research Institute), ▲‘Preliminary Survey for the Reconstruction of the Paleoenvironment in the Alluvial Plain Surrounding the Gochang Dolmen Sites’(Ryu Choon-kil, Korea Institute of Geological Environment), ▲‘Landscape Formation and Perception of the Gochang Dolmen Site from the Perspective of Megalithic Monuments’(Kim Jong-il, Seoul National University). These presentations will examine the formation and landscape of the Gochang dolmen sites from multiple perspectives.

In addition, ▲‘The Formation and Landscape of Japanese Dolmens’(Tatsuya Hiragori, Shimane University), ▲‘The Cultural Lineage of dolmen on the Liaodong Peninsula, China’(Hua Weibing, Liaoning University), ▲‘Restoration, rescue and research: managing megalithic monuments in Britain’(Susan Greaney, University of Exeter), and other presentations will examine the formation of megalithic monuments and achievements in landscape restoration from around the world.

Following the presentation, Director Lee Young-moon of the Research Center of Dolmens in Northeast Asia will moderate a panel discussion featuring experts including Son Joon-ho(Korea University), Lee Myeong-seong(National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage), Kang Dong-seok(Sungkyunkwan University), Kim Jin-hwan(National Cultural Heritage Insutitute), Cho Jin-sun(Chonnam National University), and Ko Il-hong(Seoul National University Asia Center).

Following the presentations, Director Lee Young-moon of the Research Center of Dolmens in Northeast Asia will moderate a panel discussion featuring experts including Son Joon-ho (Korea University), Lee Myeong-seong (National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage), Kang Dong-seok (Sungkyunkwan University), Kim Jin-hwan (National Cultural Heritage Institute), Cho Jin-sun (Chonnam National University), and Ko Il-hong (Seoul National University Asia Center).

Anyone can attend this academic conference by scanning the QR code on the promotional materials to register in advance, or by registering on-site on the day of the event. For more information, please call. (☎063-290-9324)

The Wanju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, part of the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, plans to use this international academic conference as an opportunity to further promote academic exchange among researchers of megalithic monuments both in Korea and abroad, and to share the results of its research and investigations on the Gochang Dolmen Site with the international community.

18/08/2026

27/07/2026

The Wanju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage Opens New Cultural Space for Exploring, Experiencing, and Learning about Cultural Heritage in Jeollabuk-do.

On July 28, a new public outreach space showcasing the research achievements of the Wanju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage (Director: Lee Gyu-hoon), an affiliate of the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage under the Korea Heritage Service, will open the permanent exhibition Jeonbuk, a Land Steeped in Time

The new space spans approximately 1,000 square meters. It has been designed to help visitors better understand the value and historical significance of the institute's cultural heritage investigations and research through a variety of facilities, including a permanent exhibition, a children's activity room, and an open library.

The new space spans approximately 1,000 square meters. It has been designed to help visitors better understand the value and historical significance of the institute's cultural heritage investigations and research through a variety of facilities, including a permanent exhibition, a children's activity room, and an open library.
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Inquiries: +82-63-290-9300)
- Location: First Floor, Wanju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage (168 Jisajero, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun, Jeonbuk State, Republic of Korea)

The permanent exhibition Jeonbuk, a Land Steeped in Time, draws on the Institute’s exploration of the cultural heritage of Jeonbuk State. It is organized into two sections: Part I. A Land of Abundance, Where People Have Long Lived and Part II. Diverse Stories Across a Vast Land.

Part I traces the story of human settlement in Jeonbuk from prehistoric times to the ancient period, exploring the communities that formed here and the cultures that flourished. Highlighting some of the Institute’s most significant archaeological excavations, including the Gaesa-dong Shell Mound in Gunsan, the Wonsangun Tumuli in Wanju, and the Yugok-ri and Durak-ri Tumuli in Namwon, exhibition showcases the excellence and academic significance of Jeonbuk’s ancient cultural heritage.

Part II explores the history of the people of Jeonbuk and their everyday lives by examining the region's distinctive cultural heritage. Visitors can learn about the advanced ancient irrigation technology exemplified by the Hwangdeungje in Iksan, the story of Korea’s first Catholic martyrs, who is buried at the Namgye-ri Site (Chonami Shrine) in Wanju; and the exceptional artisanry of the Goryeo-era celadon produced at kiln sites in Buan.

The new facility also includes a children’s activity room called the Doran Doran Time Playground, a space where children can engage with cultural heritage through play. There is also the Open Library, which offers visitors opportunities to explore cultural heritage in greater depth. Together, they provide all ages with enjoyable and immersive ways to experience the cultural heritage of Jeonbuk. Visitors can also appreciate the dynamic experiences provided through a range of digital content, including LED media art and an immersive media room.

With the opening of this new public outreach space, the Wanju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage aims to strengthen its role as an open research institution by sharing the results of its investigations with the public. The institute will continue to offer a wide range of exhibitions and educational programs to ensure that cultural heritage remains a living asset shared with local communities. It hopes that the new space will become a leading cultural destination where the value of Jeonbuk’s cultural heritage can be shared with the public and passed on to future generations.

27/07/2026

Getty Research Institute Expert to Give Special Lecture in Korea on the Future of Art Historical Data

- Special Lecture by Nancy Um, Associate Director of the Getty Research Institute (July 30, 2026, 2 P.M., Analysis Science Center of the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage in Daejeon) -

At 2 P.M. on July 30, the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage (General Director: Lim Jong-deok; hereafter, NRICH), an affiliate of the Korea Heritage Service, will host a special lecture in the auditorium of its Analysis Science Center in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon. The lecture, entitled “Access and Interoperability: The Evolving Stakes and Aspirations for Art Historical Data at the Getty Research Institute,” will be delivered by Dr. Nancy Um, a specialist from said institute.
* Getty Research Institute: An institution of the J. Paul Getty Trust, it is a leading center for digital art historical projects and the development of art information databases.
This special lecture is part of an exchange and cooperation agreement signed between NRICH and the Getty Research Institute in November 2024. Since 2023, NRICH has been making information on Korean art terms, Korean calligraphers, and painters available to the international community through the Getty Vocabularies databases. Drawing on their ongoing collaboration, the two institutions have been promoting the diffusion of art and cultural heritage information worldwide and expanding digital art historical research.
* Getty Vocabularies: An international database related to art history terminology operated by the Getty Research Institute, it adheres to the standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to ensure consistency in art information. It is being widely used by leading art museums and research institutions around the world as authoritative reference data for the construction and retrieval of art-related information.
The lecturer, Dr. Nancy Um (Associate Director of the Getty Research Institute) oversees research and knowledge creation at the Getty Research Institute. She leads its major research and digital initiatives, including databases, programs for researchers, and digital art historical projects.

During the special lecture, Dr. Um will highlight examples of how the Getty Research Institute has advanced technological development in the field of art history and responded to the field’s changing needs over the past four decades. She will also discuss emerging challenges for art historical data arising from the rapidly evolving digital environment and will explore its future prospects. By doing so, her lecture is expected to provide valuable insights into the digitalization of Korean art and cultural heritage information, the construction and provision of related data, and the establishment of strategies for improving its global accessibility.

The lecture is open to the public free of charge, and no advance registration is required. For further information, please contact 042-860-9195.

NRICH will continue to expand its collaboration with renowned research institutions worldwide as it keeps strengthening the foundation for research that promotes the global distribution of information on Korean art and cultural heritage.

27/07/2026

International Academic Conference on "Musical Instruments and Wooden Tablets from the Gwanbuk-ri Site, Buyeo" (July 22-23)

To mark the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, the Buyeo National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage (Director Hwang In-ho), under the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage of the Korea Heritage Service, will host an international academic conference on "Musical Instruments and Wooden Tablets from the Gwanbuk-ri Site, Buyeo" from 1 p.m. on Tuesday, 22 July, at the Grand Ballroom of Signiel Busan (Haeundae-gu, Busan). The conference will be organised jointly with the Korean Society for the Study of Wooden Documents and the Baekje Society.

The Gwanbuk-ri Site in Buyeo is widely regarded as the royal palace of the Sabi-era Baekje Kingdom. Successive excavations have brought to light a range of features illustrating the layout of the palace, including a large hall structure, waterways and road systems. Most notably, the 16th excavation campaign, conducted between 2022 and 2025, yielded 329 wooden tablets — the largest quantity ever recovered in Korea and the earliest dated to the Sabi period. The campaign also produced the first known physical example of a bamboo transverse flute (hoengjeok) from Baekje, offering an invaluable insight into the kingdom's musical culture.

The conference has been convened to publicise these findings and to place them in a wider East Asian context, drawing comparisons with wooden tablets and ancient transverse flutes from overseas. In doing so, it seeks to shed comprehensive light on the governance, administration, documentary practices and courtly musical culture of Sabi-era Baekje.

Programme
The conference will run from 1 p.m. on 22 July to 3.30 p.m. on 23 July, comprising a keynote lecture, twelve thematic presentations and a plenary discussion by leading specialists.

◦ Keynote lecture: Professor Emeritus Park Sun-bal (Chungnam National University) will deliver a keynote entitled "The Baekje Court Chamber Seen through Documents and Musical Instruments".
◦ Session 1-1 — Contents of the Gwanbuk-ri Wooden Tablets and Comparative Studies Abroad: Researchers from Korea, China and Japan will examine the archaeological context and contents of the Gwanbuk-ri tablets, comparing them with Chinese and Japanese counterparts to bring out the distinctive features of Baekje's wooden tablets and their significance within East Asia.
◦ Session 1-2 — Significance and Reconstruction of the Baekje Transverse Flute: Held in parallel in the adjoining hall, this session will bring together Korean and Japanese scholars to analyse the origins, structure and acoustic properties of the Gwanbuk-ri flute from a range of perspectives, and to consider Baekje musical culture and Korea–Japan cultural exchange through comparison with ancient Japanese transverse flutes. A plenary discussion, chaired by Professor Emeritus Song Hye-jin (Sookmyung Women's University), will follow, addressing the scholarly value of the Baekje transverse flute, its reconstruction and directions for future research.
◦ Session 2 — Baekje Administrative Governance and Records Management: From 9.30 a.m. on 23 July, four papers will draw on the Gwanbuk-ri tablets to reconstruct the townscape of the Sabi capital and to examine Baekje's provincial administration, official ranks and records management. From 1.30 p.m., a plenary discussion chaired by Professor Emeritus Ju Bo-don (Kyungpook National University) will bring together the presenters and discussants from Sessions 1-1 and 2.

Fringe events
Following the morning session on 23 July, the awards ceremony and exhibition for the "Storytelling Webtoon Competition on the Hoengjeok Flute Excavated at the Gwanbuk-ri Site, Buyeo" will be held. The competition invited webtoon entries retelling the history of Baekje's transverse flute in an engaging visual format.
In addition, the Buyeo–Chungnam Traditional Music Orchestra will give two performances on the theme of "The Five Court Musicians of Baekje and the Transverse Flute":

◦ 1st performance: 14:00–14:30, BEXCO Exhibition Hall 1, Busan
◦ 2nd performance: 19:40–19:50, Busan Museum

Attendance
Attendance is by prior registration only. Further enquiries may be directed to the Buyeo National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage on +82-41-830-5612.

Through this conference, the Buyeo National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage intends to share the results of the Gwanbuk-ri excavations with researchers at home and abroad, to strengthen international academic exchange, and — through continued systematic investigation and study — to open new horizons in Baekje historical research and to disseminate its findings widely to the public and to the scholarly community.

01/07/2026

Future Perspectives on ‘A Timeless Issues on Heritage’: Spanning Archaeology, Safety and Disaster Prevention, Safeguard and Conservation

- NRICH and ICCROM to Host Annual International Conference (July 13–14, Busan) -
13. July : Cultural heritage driving social change
14.July : Investigation and monitoring of heritage using advanced technologies
On the occasion of hosting the 48th World Heritage Committee in Busan, the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage (NRICH, Director General Lim Jong-deock), a branch institute of the Korea Heritage Service will co-host the annual NRICH-ICCROM International Conference with the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM, Director General Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral). The event will take place over two days, from Monday, July 13 to Tuesday, July 14, at the Ballroom of the Grand Josun Hotel in Busan (Haeundae-gu district), under the theme of "A Timeless Issues on Heritage".
* ICCROM: An intergovernmental organization established by UNESCO, dedicated to the conservation and restoration of global cultural heritage through research, education, technical support, and international cooperation. It currently has 139 Member States.

The international conference is a collaborative activity based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NRICH and ICCROM in June 2023 for the conservation and management of cultural heritage, marking its fourth edition this year. It is highly significant that, unlike the previous "World Archaeology International Conferences*" which primarily focused on major global archaeological sites, the event has been expanded starting this year into the "NRICH-ICCROM Annual International Conference," encompassing a broader range of fields including not only archaeology but also safety and disaster prevention, conservation and management to the heritage.
* 1st: "World Archaeology: Ancient Cities and Royal Capitals" (July. 2023)
2nd: "World Archaeology: Ancient Royal Tombs" (Oct. 2024)
3rd: "World Archaeology: Archaeology of Landfills" (Aug. 2025)

The main theme of this conference is "A Timeless Issues on Heritage." Specifically, through two sub-themes—"Cultural Heritage Driving Social Change" in archaeology and "Investigation and Monitoring of Heritage Using Advanced Technologies" in safety and disaster prevention, conservation and management—the event aims to discuss the social impact of heritage and the future of its conservation and management together with experts from around the world.

On the first day, July 13, the session will examine how cultural heritage does not remain in the past but functions and transforms within today's political, economic, and social environments, through various international case studies. Four thematic presentations will be given:

▲ Securing Antiquity: The Heritage of War and World Heritage (Lynn Meskell, University of Pennsylvania)
▲ Ships of Gold: Exploring the social and economic impacts of the protection and promotion of Buddhist Cultural Heritage in Nepal’s Greater Lumbini Area (Robin Coningham, Durham University)
▲ Heritage as an identity statement: Case studies from Swahili Coast of East Africa and Vietnam (George Abungu, Australian National University)
▲ The Evolution of the Buried Cultural Heritage Protection System and the Restructuring of Social and Administrative Structures: Focusing on the Transition from Ground Surface Surveys to Assessment of Impacts on National Heritage (Lee Jong-hoon, Korea Heritage Service)

On the second day, July 14, the session will focus on proactive measures to safeguard and monitor cultural heritage amidst recent crises such as climate change and rising disasters, by using advanced digital and space technologies as well as international standards. The day will feature one keynote speech and six thematic presentations:

▲ (Keynote Speech) Ethics, principles, and international standards for cultural heritage documentation, highlighting the connections among monitoring, management, and conservation (Rand Eppich, Consultant to ICCROM and UNESCO)
▲ Preventive Conservation and Monitoring System for State-Designated Architectural Heritage in Korea (Sim Myung-bo, NRICH)
▲ Turning Data into Conservation Action: Lessons from World Heritage Sites in a Changing Climate (Tales Carvalho, UNESCO)
▲ Monitoring Techniques and Applications for Architectural Heritage in Korea (Park Chan-min, NRICH)
▲ The ChemiNova project: Developing digital tools to assess and monitor damage to cultural heritage caused by climate change and armed conflict (Noémie Gabay, ICCROM)
▲ Monitoring of Stone Cultural Heritage Using Hyperspectral Imaging (Lee Myeong-seong, Kang San-Ha, NRICH; Ahn Yu-Bin, ENGUARD)
▲ Applications of space technology for monitoring and conservation of natural and cultural heritage (Shi Pilong, HIST)

Comprehensive panel discussions will follow the presentations on both days. On the 13th, Choi Jong-taek (The Korean Archaeological Society) will chair the session. On the 14th, Jo Sang-sun (NRICH), Jo Eugene (ICCROM, Programme Manager, World Heritage Leadership), and Cho Doo-won (ICOMOS, Board Member) will co-chair. At the discussion, participants will deeply explore how the authenticity and value of heritage have impacted our society and discuss new possibilities for heritage safeguard, conservation and management using advanced technologies.

Online registration for the conference is available via the QR code on the official poster. Further details can be found on the NRICH website and SNS (www.nrich.go.kr, Instagram '', YouTube '', etc.).

The National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage under the Korea Heritage Service hopes that the international conference will serve as an opportunity to deeply reflect on the authenticity and value of heritage and open new horizons for its conservation through the integration of cutting-edge technologies. Furthermore, NRICH will continue to collaborate with ICCROM to ensure that Republic of Korea's major cultural heritage is investigated, conserved, and utilized amidst global attention.

10/03/2026

08/01/2026

The Horse: Galloping into Eternity
- Exploring the Legacy of Korea’s Horse Culture through Silla Clay Figurines (Towu), Gaya Horse Armor, and Jeju Horse Photography (January 9–25, Shinsegae “The Heritage”) -

The Korea Heritage Service (Administrator Huh Min), in collaboration with Shinsegae Co., Ltd. (CEO Park Joo-hyung), will host the special exhibition "The Horse: Galloping into Eternity", highlighting horse-related national heritage, including Silla clay figurines (Towu) and Gaya horse armor, from January 9 to 25 at 'The Heritage', Shinsegae Department Store Main Branch (Jung-gu, Seoul) to mark the Year of the Horse.

In celebration of the 2026 Year of the Horse, this exhibition features replicas of horse-related artifacts excavated from sites such as the Jjoksaem Tomb in Gyeongju by the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage (Director General Lim Jong-deock), affiliated with the Korea Heritage Service. Photographs of Jeju Horses, a designated Natural Monument, are also presented to shed light on the diverse facets of these animals. In addition, 'The Heritage' at Shinsegae, the venue of the exhibition, is housed in the newly renovated and reopened former Korea First Bank Headquarters, a Tangible Cultural Heritage site designated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, further enhancing the significance of the exhibition.

Divided into five sections, this exhibition traces the journey of the horse humanity’s companion since prehistoric times—through a diverse array of excavated replicas, traditional crafts, modern artworks, and digital imagery. It aims to visually interpret the time and energy of the horse, connecting the past and present with the future.

The exhibition opens with an AI-generated video symbolizing the year 2026, the Year of the Red Horse. It is organized into five distinct sections:

• Part 1: Features replicas of Silla horse-shaped clay figurines (Towu) and pottery engraved with cavalry processions, showcasing the cute and friendly imagery of horses in ancient times.

• Part 2: Spotlights the role of horses at the front lines of war through replicas of Gaya horse armor and horse regalia.

• Part 3: Explores the aesthetics of horse regalia, featuring a replica of a saddle flap (Maldarae) decorated with jewel beetle wings—a designated Natural Monument— excavated from Gyeongju Jjoksaem Tomb No. 44. This section also showcases G*t, traditional Korean hats created by a master of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage 'G*t-il' (Hat Making).

• Part 4: Presents the artwork "Beside" by sculptor Jake Lee. The piece, depicting a mare and her foal standing side-by-side, symbolizes care, connection.

• Part 5: Allow visitors to view a photography exhibition of Jeju Horses (Natural Monument), captured by the Natural Heritage Photo Crew in a collaboration between the Korea Heritage Service and National Geographic Apparel.

*Towu (土偶, Clay Figurines): Earthenware objects or figurines crafted in the shapes of people, animals, or various objects

The exhibition is open to all visitors free of charge during the following hours.
*Visiting Hours: (Monday–Thursday) 10:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; (Friday–Sunday) 10:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

This exhibition serves as an opportunity to understand, through excavated artifacts, that horses have been much more than a mere means of transportation throughout our long history. They have stood as companions on the battlefield and as symbols of dignity and power through acts of adorning and embellishing horses.
Furthermore, the exhibition is expected to confirm that the strength and energy of the horse are not confined to the past. Instead, they continue to live on alongside us today as "National Heritage"—encompassing cultural heritage, intangible heritage, and natural heritage.

The Korea Heritage Service plans to continuously expand opportunities to communicate and share the value of excavated artifacts with the public.