National Heritage Landscape Construction Repair Standards Are Changing

Added Content on Circular Landscape and Surrounding Vegetation Protection

The repair standards for landscaping work on national heritage sites are changing.

On the 25th, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced a revision of the "Standard Specifications for Landscaping Work on National Heritage Sites." The standard specifications are documents that specify standard construction criteria to ensure the appropriateness and quality assurance of the work.

This is the first revision of the landscaping specifications in 20 years since January 2005. A Cultural Heritage Administration official stated, "In line with the transition to the national heritage system and the enforcement of the 'Act on the Preservation and Use of Natural Heritage,' we conducted specialized research and gathered opinions to establish a policy foundation for traditional landscaping."

The most significant change is the subdivision of repair standards for landscaping work. Previously, the standards were classified into three categories: materials, tree protection, and construction. The Cultural Heritage Administration has specified eight categories to preserve the original form of traditional landscaping as much as possible. These are landscaping base, landscaping plants, pond (jidang), waterways, wetlands, flower beds, paving, and maintenance.

Additionally, provisions have been added to protect the original landscape and surrounding vegetation when installing lighting, visitor path paving, and viewing platforms, which are frequently used in traditional spaces.

A Cultural Heritage Administration official said, "We also plan to establish reasonable unit price standards such as landscaping standard unit costs. Through this, we aim to create a sustainable policy foundation for traditional landscaping."

The revised landscaping specifications can be found in the 'Administrative Rules' section of the Legal Information Center and the 'Administrative Information' section of the Cultural Heritage Administration website.