[2022 National Audit] Cultural Heritage Researchers under the Ministry of Culture Criticized for Inadequate Appointment Regulations Due to 'Unrecognized Qualifications'

Qualification of Curators under the Jurisdiction of the National Museum of Korea Not Recognized as Relevant to Curatorial Research Positions

Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Concerns have been raised that the regulations regarding the appointment of curatorial research positions under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) are inadequate. It has been revealed that curatorial research positions do not receive any recognition for related certifications when determining the initial salary step.

On the 6th, Lee Sangheon, a member of the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee from the Democratic Party representing Ulsan Buk-gu, pointed out that curatorial research positions, mainly affiliated with the MCST, are not properly recognized for their degrees or qualifications according to the guidelines on public servant salaries and related matters.

Most public officials have their initial salary step determined based on degrees, qualifications, and work experience related to their job series upon new appointment. For example, holding a specific degree and qualification and having worked in a related occupation or at an institution recognized by the ministry is acknowledged for salary step calculation. If degrees or qualifications are not recognized, the relevant experience is considered simple private sector experience, which may result in disadvantages in salary step determination.

When determining the initial salary step, doctoral degrees and national qualifications are mainly recognized. However, for curatorial research positions, only Doctor of Literature and Doctor of Engineering degrees are recognized as related degrees. There are no related certifications recognized at all. According to the “Standard Table for Equivalent Ranks of Related Certifications for Salary Step Determination” in the guidelines on public servant salaries, no certifications are listed for curatorial research positions.

In cases like curatorial research positions where related certifications are insufficient or absent, the affiliated minister can designate additional certifications through consultation with the head of the Ministry of Personnel Management. However, according to Lee’s findings, neither the MCST nor the Cultural Heritage Administration has ever requested such consultation with the Ministry of Personnel Management regarding curatorial research positions.

It is not that there are no certifications related to curatorial researchers. There are curators under the jurisdiction of the National Museum of Korea and cultural heritage repair technicians under the Cultural Heritage Administration, both of which can be considered relevant certifications. Both qualifications are national professional certifications administered by the Human Resources Development Service of Korea.

Table of Relevant Certifications by Job Series for Confirming Seniority of Research Officials.

There is an argument that additional certifications are unnecessary because work experience is individually recognized during the career recruitment process, but critics say this is unconvincing given that other research job series broadly recognize related certifications.

Furthermore, according to regulations concerning the appointment of research and supervisory public officials, research positions can be publicly recruited. In fact, the Agricultural Research positions are publicly recruited annually by the Rural Development Administration. If curatorial research positions were publicly recruited under the current circumstances, successful candidates would receive no preferential treatment in initial salary step determination even if they hold qualifications such as curator or cultural heritage repair technician.

Lee said, “Requesting consultation with the Ministry of Personnel Management to add related certifications is not a significant burden, so the MCST should take a more proactive stance to improve the treatment of affiliated research positions,” adding, “We have continuously pointed out the issue of improving the treatment of curatorial research positions, and once this national audit ends, we will consider proposing a basic law for curatorial research personnel.”