Seoul Sungkyunkwan Daeseongjeon and Other National Heritage Repair Sites Open to Public

Thirty-One Locations Including 'Priority Disclosure' Targets

On the 23rd, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced that it will hold a special public viewing of national heritage restoration sites next month. It will showcase the restoration processes of thirty-one sites, including those designated as "priority public viewing" targets, which have been open annually since 2014. These sites include the Samhwa-sa Three-story Stone Pagoda in Donghae, Jeongyang Mountain Fortress in Yeongwol, Horogoru in Yeoncheon, Hoiam Temple Site in Yangju, Yi Yi Relics in Paju, the Ma-ae Yaksa Buddha Statue in Gyosan-dong, Hanam, Hadong Eupseong, Yangdong Village in Gyeongju, and King Sinmun's Tomb in Gyeongju.

The most eye-catching restoration site is the Munmyo and Sungkyunkwan Daeseongjeon in Seoul. An 18-meter-long single wooden beam called a "pyeonggodae" is used for roof repairs. It is a thin and long curved member that connects the eaves. It determines the natural curve of the eaves in a hanok. A Cultural Heritage Administration official explained, "This is a valuable opportunity to look inside important architectural cultural heritage that is not commonly accessible and to observe Joseon Dynasty architectural techniques."

Citizens who wish to visit can check the schedule and locations with each local government and apply accordingly. A Cultural Heritage Administration official stated, "Even after the special public viewing, ten priority public viewing sites can be visited until the end of this year," adding, "We expect that transparency in restoration construction sites will increase public trust."