Abstract
This study aims to investigate the changing aspects about research methodology of stone pagoda from the period of Japanese colonial to now. There were the differences in purpose, method and analysis of the research according to each period. In Japanese colonial period, the purpose of research was to make lists of almost stone pagodas in Korea. Following this, Japanese researchers conducted detailed research for academic purpose. They took measurements of stone pagodas and made drawings. After liberation the research was focused on the relics contained in pagodas. They proceeded to investigate the inner relics in order to attract the attention of the people. In the late 1900's, the repair works of cultural heritages were increased. Many reports of the repair works were released and sent to administration offices. The reports contained the change aspects of situation between before work and after with drawings or simple investigation documents. In the 1990's, the restoration works for important stone pagodas were started by the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage. Since then, researches from various way - architectural and conservational researches about historical interpretation, shape, structure, proportion, technique, etc. - progressed for careful restoration and accurate study. In Recent years, various professional organizations(in the field of structure, physics, chemistry, biology, lithology, etc.) started to join the researches. Researches conducted studies directly with the stone pagodas, as well as conducting indirect studies with the stone pagodas, such as the structural stability of stone pagodas, the characteristics of rock, and conservation chemicals. Today the research project 'The preservation project of stone cultural property' is being conducted by the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage. The purpose of this project is to gain more detailed and accurate investigation documents to be provided for the people. In conclusion, researches from various fields must be included in the research. Furthermore, a synthetic study should be done through comparing similar characteristics or different characteristics among many research results.