Providing a Place for the Discussion

among Domestic and International experts

on ‘Conservation for Mural Cultural Heritage’

 International Symposium on『Murals in the Asian Region

; Conservation technology and re-conservation methodology』

will be held. (June 19, 2024, Hotel ICC, Deajeon)

The Cultural Heritage Conservation Science Center (CHCSC, Director Park Jongseo) in the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage (NRICH) under the Korea Heritage Service will hold the international symposium on ‘Murals in Asian Region; Conservation technology and re-conservation methodology’ at the Hotel ICC in Daejeon.

This international symposium is prepared and carried out by the CHCSC to share research outcomes and identify international trends in mural conservation technology following the project ‘Scientific Investigation and Conservation Treatment of Mural painting in Josadang Shrine of Buseoksa Temple, National Treasure’, which is the oldest mural painting of temples in Korea. Domestic and international experts in the field of mural conservation will be invited to discuss conservation technology and methodologies focusing on mural paintings in the Asian region.

The symposium consists of a keynote speech, five thematic presentations, and a comprehensive discussion. In the keynote speech, Professor Han Kyeong-soon of Konkuk University will present the situations and significances by classifying the history of conservation treatment from the Japanese colonial period to the present, focusing on mural paintings of temples under the theme of ‘Achievements and Future of Korean Mural Conservation’.

The following thematic presentations are made by international experts at first: ‘Restoration of Wall Paintings from Archaeological Excavations in Central Asia’ (by Maria Gervais, State Hermitage Museum, Russia), ‘Developing Compatible Repair Materials for Earthen Wall Paintings: Obstacles, Principles, and Practice’ (by Stephen Rickerby, RICKERBY&SHEKEDE wall painting conservation, UK) and ‘Overview of Research on Conservation and Restoration of Ancient Mural Paintings in China’s Temple’ (by Yu Zhongren, Dunhuang Academy, China) will be presented to look into overseas conservation technology for mural paintings and research cases with a focus on earthen mural paintings similar to mural paintings of temples in Korea.
Subsequently, case studies of scientific diagnosis technology and re-conservation research in Korea will be presented: ‘Research Trends on Analysis and Diagnosis Technology of Mural Paintings in Korea’ (by Lee Hwa-soo, Konkuk University), and ‘Damage and Re-conservation Methodology of Mural Paintings in Temples of Korea -focusing on Mural Painting in Josadang Shrine of Buseoksa Temple, National Treasure’ (by Jeong Hye-young, Cultural Heritage Conservation Science Center).

Lastly, in addition to the discussion on conservation technology and re-conservation methodology of each country for long-term conservation of mural cultural heritage in the Asian region, the comprehensive discussion for sharing various opinions will be continued with speakers and invitees in comparison with overseas cases to find a way of re-conservation treatment suitable for the mural painting in Josadang Shrine of Buseoksa Temple, National Treasure.

Anyone can attend this international symposium after on-the-spot registrations on the day of the symposium, and the symposium proceedings will be released later through https://portal.nrich.go.kr within the website of the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage. To inquire about further details, contact this number (042-860-9406).

Through this international symposium, the Cultural Heritage Conservation Science Center in the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage under the Korea Heritage Service will seek the best way to fully preserve the value of mural cultural heritage and work on the active administration to serve the public as well as academic circles, experts with easy access to the latest research outcomes at home and abroad.