Examining the Latest Conservation Techniques for Mural Cultural Heritage Including the Buseoksa Josadang Mural

The Cultural Heritage Conservation Science Center of the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage under the Cultural Heritage Administration (Director Park Jong-seo) will host an international symposium titled Asian Region Murals: Conservation Techniques and Re-treatment Methodologies on June 19 at the Daejeon ICC Hotel (Yuseong-gu Daejeon).

This international symposium aims to share research outcomes from the scientific investigation and conservation treatment project of Korea’s oldest temple mural the National Treasure Buseoksa Josadang Mural carried out by the Cultural Heritage Conservation Science Center. It also seeks to understand international trends in mural conservation techniques by inviting domestic and international experts in the field of mural conservation to discuss conservation techniques and methodologies focusing on Asian region murals.

The event will consist of a keynote lecture five themed presentations and a comprehensive discussion. The keynote lecture by Professor Han Kyung-soon of Konkuk University titled Achievements and Future of Korean Mural Conservation will review the history and significance of temple mural conservation from the Japanese colonial period to the present.

The themed presentations will include:

Restoration of Central Asian Archaeological Excavation Murals (Maria Zerve State Hermitage Museum Russia)
Development of Conservation Materials Suitable for Earthen Murals: Issues and Principles Practical Applications (Stephen Rickerby RICKERBY&SHEKEDE UK)
Study on Conservation and Restoration of Ancient Murals in Chinese Temples (Wei Zhongren Dunhuang Research Academy China)
These presentations will examine overseas conservation techniques and research cases focusing on earthen murals which are similar in material to Korean temple murals.

Following this there will be two presentations focusing on Korean temple murals:

Research Trends in Analysis and Diagnostic Techniques for Korean Murals (Lee Hwa-soo Konkuk University)
Damage and Re-treatment Plans for Korean Temple Murals – Focusing on the National Treasure Buseoksa Josadang Mural Case (Jung Hye-young Cultural Heritage Conservation Science Center)
The final session will be a comprehensive discussion chaired by Professor Han Kyung-soon of Konkuk University involving all theme presenters. This discussion will compare and explore conservation techniques and re-treatment methodologies from various countries for the long-term preservation of mural cultural heritage in the Asian region and share diverse opinions on suitable conservation treatment methods for the Buseoksa Josadang Mural.

The event is open to anyone who registers on-site on the day of the event. Presentation materials will be available later on the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage website under National Heritage Knowledge Hub (https://portal.nrich.go.kr). For more details contact (☎042-860-9406).

The Cultural Heritage Conservation Science Center of the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage aims to seek the best solutions to fully preserve the value of mural cultural heritage through this international symposium. They will continue to actively share the latest research outcomes related to national heritage with the public academia and experts domestically and internationally.