Draft of Provisional Government's Founding Principles Unveiled After Conservation Treatment

Residual Adhesive Removed Using Organic Solvents
Reinforcement with Naturally Dyed Paper of Similar Material

The Cultural Heritage Conservation Science Center of the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage announced on July 29 that it has recently completed the conservation treatment of the "Draft of the Founding Principles of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea," which is a nationally registered cultural heritage.

Comparison Before and After Preservation Treatment of the "Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea Founding Charter Draft"

This handwritten document, written in a mixture of Korean and classical Chinese, was authored by the independence activist and politician Cho Soang (1887-1958). Based on the principle of Samgyunjuui (Three Principles of Equality), it outlines the direction for the independence movement and nation-building. The draft was adopted as originally proposed at the State Council meeting of the Provisional Government on November 28, 1941, and later became the fundamental basis for the Constitution enacted in 1948.

The document vividly preserves Cho Soang's handwritten script and traces of his corrections in ink. However, physical damage such as tears and creases has been identified along the fold and edges where the paper was folded in half. Discoloration was also progressing due to the temporary application of cellophane tape. Some parts of the paper, made by mixing straw pulp and bast fibers, had become thin due to ink smudging and deterioration, making conservation treatment unavoidable.

Reinforcement paper dyed with natural dye (left), and the process of reinforcing damaged parts

The Cultural Heritage Conservation Science Center removed the cellophane tape attached to the damaged areas and used organic solvents to eliminate any remaining adhesive. The acidity (pH) of the paper was adjusted through magnesium oxide (MgO) deacidification treatment, and damaged areas were reinforced with paper of similar material that had been dyed with a solution made from boiling alder tree fruits. A frame-type folder and a protective storage box were also specially produced to prevent damage to the original document.

The conserved draft of the Founding Principles will be unveiled at the special exhibition "Anti-Japanese Heritage Embracing Light," which will be held at Dondeokjeon Hall in Deoksugung Palace from August 12 to October 12. From September 16 to 21, a separate exhibition at Deokheungjeon Hall in Deoksugung Palace will highlight the entire conservation process.