• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.180-193
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• 2022

The East Nine Royal Tombs is a representative place in the Royal Tombs of Joseon (a World Heritage Site). It consists of 1,289 stone artifacts including 979 related stone structures, 310 stone statues, and objects. Most of the stone structures in the East Nine Royal Tombs are composed of biotite granite, but some tombs are composed of light red granite. As a result of magnetic susceptibility measurement, the average data from Geonwolleung to Mongneung, excluding Hyeolleung, were similar, so it is estimated that stones were obtained from the same quarry. In the case of Sungneung, Sureung, and Gyeongneung, the range of susceptibility measurement is widely distributed. It assumed that the newly produced stones were mixed in the moving and construction process. Also, stones might be gathered from different quarries. As a result of a conservation status investigation, both the mound member and the ridge stone had the highest damage rate due to peeling and granular decomposition according to surface weathering. In the case of surface discoloration, yellowing and soils were found in the burial mound members. Yellowing, blackening, and soil were identified in the ridge stone structures. Bio-degradation is the major factor of deterioration of the East Nine Royal Tombs and the conservation status of the tombs were detected as grades 4 to 5. It seems that it is easy for the environment of the royal tombs to form soil for the microorganisms and fine conditions for continuous moisture. In the case of structures, they are in relatively good condition. As a result of a comprehensive damage rating for each tomb, the overall condition is good, but the Geonwolleung Royal Tomb and Hyeolleung Tomb, which were created in the early period, had relatively high weathering ratings. Stone objects in East Nine Royal Tombs have lost many pieces and gateway members due to surface deterioration. Also, secondary damage is ongoing. Each damage factor of the stone artifacts of the East Nine Royal Tombs combines to cause various and continuous damages. Therefore, it is necessary to establish regular conservation status data of the stone artifacts for efficient management after processing as well as conservation treatment of the royal tombs, and specific management manuals and systems. This study investigated the conservation status of stone structures in the East Nine Royal Tombs, a World Heritage Site, and systematically classified them to provide priority and necessity for conservation processing. We look forward to establishing a plan for the conservation and management of the East Nine Royal Tombs with this database in the future.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.102-111
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• 2022

Termites are a group of social insects that are one of the primary causes of damage to wooden architectural heritage. Since termite damage impairs the authenticity and structural stability of cultural heritage, it is imperative to prevent it. This study examines the extent of termite damage to wooden architectural heritage as part of efforts to prevent termite damage to nationally designated wooden architectural heritage sites across the country. The extent of termite damage to each cultural heritage was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively and comparatively analyzed by region using the results of the "Investigation on Biological Damage to Wooden Architectural Heritages" conducted by the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage from 2016 to 2019. It involved 362 nationally designated wooden architectural heritages(25 national treasures, 157 treasures, 180 national folklore cultural heritages) and 1,104 buildings. The results were as follows: termite detection dogs reacted at 317(87.6%) of the 362 wooden heritages, with visible termite damage observed in 185 cases(51.1%). Furthermore, termite damage was confirmed using one of two methods(detection dogs or visual inspection) in 324 cases(89.5%). Of the 1,104 buildings, termite detection dogs reacted at 668(60.5%), while 339(30.7%) showed visible termite damage. Employing one of the two methods, damage was confirmed in 702 buildings(63.6%). The country was categorized into nine regions(Seoul Metropolitan Area, Gangwon, Chungbuk, Chungnam, Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, Gyeongbuk, Gyeongnam, and Jeju) to examine the termite damage rate and the degree of damage to each cultural heritage according to location. Termite detection dogs reacted to more than 70% of the cultural heritage in all regions. Visible damage was minimal in the Seoul metropolitan area(32.1%) and Gangwon(21.4%) but severe in Chungnam(65.6%), Jeonnam(67.3%), and Gyeongnam(68.2%). By quantifying the degree of termite damage of each cultural heritage as a ratio of the absence of termite damage among the total absence, the average termite damage of the cultural heritage across the country was 9.2%. Regional variance analysis showed that the cultural heritage in Jeonbuk and Jeonnam showed a statistically significantly higher degree of termite damage than the cultural heritage in the Seoul metropolitan area, Chungbuk, and Gyeongbuk. This paper comprehensively analyzed termite damage to nationally designated wooden architectural heritage. The findings are expected to be valuable in establishing policies for the preservation and management of cultural heritage sites in the future.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.43-57
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• 2024

As coastal areas have a distinct nature with the interaction of the lands and waters, they attract people to enjoy and experience the natural environments physically and intellectually; this generates cultural ecosystem services. Coastal beaches are one of the most common coastal areas for cultural ecosystem services. The purpose of this study was to 1) estimate the economic values of cultural ecosystem services derived from coastal beaches, and 2) expand the estimated values into other beaches across the country using a benefit transfer method. We divided the values of cultural ecosystem services into five different categories based on an extensive literature review: recreation and tourism, landscape and aesthetic, educational, heritage, and inspirational values. The values of tourism and recreation, landscape and aesthetic, and educational services were estimated using the choice experiments. The attributes of the choice experiments consisted of conservation funds, litter, water quality, seascape, landscape, and biodiversity, and the data were collected through online surveys with visitors of 11 representative beaches in Korea. Heritage and inspiration services were estimated using a market goods method based on their expenditures. These values were transferred to 257 beaches across the country. Study results can be used for policy decisions on various restoration and conservation projects caused by coastal erosion and development and on the need and extent of public investments.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.74-93
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• 2019

The Bird Track Site in the Haman Formation in Yongsanri (Natural Monument No. 222) was reported on the named Koreanaornis hamanensis and Jindongornipes kimi sauropod footprint Brontopodus and ichnospecies Ochlichnus formed by Nematoda. This site has outstanding academic value because it is where the second-highest number of bird tracks have been reported in the world. However, only 25% of the site remains after being designated a natural monument in 1969. This is due to artificial damage caused by worldwide fame and quarrying for flat stone used in Korean floor heating systems. The Haman Formation, including this fossil site, has lithofacies showing reddish-grey siltstone and black shale, alternately. The boundary of the two rocks is progressive, and sedimentary structures like ripple marks and sun cracks can clearly be found. This site was divided into seven formations according to sedimentary sequences and structures. The results of a nondestructive deterioration evaluation showed that chemical and biological damage rates were very low for all formations. Also, physical damage displayed low rates with 0.49% on exfoliation, 0.04% on blistering, 0.28% on break-out; however, the joint crack index was high, 6.20. Additionally, efflorescence was observed on outcrops at the backside and the northwestern side. Physical properties measured by an indirect ultrasonic analysis were found to be moderately weathered (MW). Above all, the southeastern side was much fresher, though some areas around the column of protection facility appeared more weathered. Furthermore, five kinds of discontinuity surface can be found at this site, with the bedding plane showing the higher share. There is the possibility of toppling failure occurring at this site but stable on plane and wedge failure by means of stereographic projection. We concluded that the overall level of deterioration and stability were relatively fine. However, continuous monitoring and conservation treatment and management should be performed as situations such as the physicochemical weathering of the fossil layer, and the efflorescence of the mortar adjoining the protection facility's column appear to be challenging to control.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.391-398
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• 2017

This study was conducted to investigate lichen as a typical biomass damage on the surfaces of flagpole-supporting stones in the Beopjusa temple. The lichens present on the flagpole-supporting stones were limited to five species. Two dominant lichen species were identified: Aspicilia sp. and Pertusaria flavicans. One foliose species and one fruticose species, which are rarely observed on crustose lichens, were identified as Xanthoparmelia conspersa and Ramalina sekika, respectively. The lichen inhabiting the black algae layer was confirmed as Leprocaulon textum. ATR-FTIR was performed to analyze the secondary metabolites synthesized by the lichens. By comparing the FTIR spectra of Xanthoparmelia conspersa and Ramalina sekika, the synthesized organic acids were confirmed to differ from each other. Furthermore, the spectral changes and characteristics due to functional groups in the molecules were confirmed.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.37
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• pp.309-326
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• 2004

There are some methods such as fatty acid analysis and microscope analysis of parasite egg and pollen and genetic analysis of ancient bacteria from ancient soil. The fatty acid analysis can examine whether some materials is human feces or animals. This is important thing to reconstruct ancient toilet culture pattern. The methods using TLC and GC-MS as organic chemistry is able to confirm ancient diet life style and nutritive conditions. The microscope analysis of ancient soil is able to confirm ancient parasite egg and pollen. It is possible to analogize ancient human diseases from this analysis. Also, genetic analysis is able to confirm genetic diversity and variation pattern of ancient organisms in archeological soil. Most of all, it is convinced of carrying through genetic preservation of exterminated ancient organisms. If archeological soils should be analysed through the natural scientific methods such as organic chemistry, soil science, microbiology, molecular biology, and genetics, this is helpful for us to understand and interpretation past historic event. And it is expected to perform an major role for understanding origin of ancient human and life style.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.601-613
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• 2011

The purpose of this study is to provide an protected wildlife species and potential habitats in Seoul through the overall present status of the species which live in Seoul. This study was performed in Seoul, the entire area of which is 605.52 $km^2$. We analyzed a total of 57 studies, including academic papers and research reports, for the natural ecology in Seoul. As for the results from the study, it was found that a total 1,907 species from 5 taxa were inhabiting and growing within the area. Among the total, plants of 1,656 species accounted for 86.7%, 197 species of wild birds made up 10.3%, 29 species of amphibians and reptiles consisted of 1.5%, and 27 species of mammalia totaled 1.4%. A total of 440 species except foreign species and species legally preserved by the Ministry of Environment, common species and uncertain species were selected as primary candidates. By taxon, it shows 212 species of plants, 180 species of wild birds, 24 species of mammalia, and 24 species of amphibians and reptiles. For extensive research subjects and research data limited in certain insect family, analysis by literature for discovered insects was excluded. The selection criteria for the second candidate species was based on extinction crisis, rarity, historicity and locality, academic value, habitat specificity, etc. The second candidate species from the primary species were selected through taxon experts' evaluations. As for the results of the selection of the second candidates, a total 77 species were selected through the experts' evaluations. Each species by taxon was 25 species for plants, 21 species for wild birds, 5 for mammalia, 10 for amphibians and reptiles and 16 species for insects. A site investigation for the second candidates was conducted to select the final candidate species. For the target areas, the habitats of the second candidates given by the literature and 46 potential areas in Seoul, which show good natural resistance, were finally selected. From the result of the site investigation, it was found that 14 species of plants, 19 species of wild birds, 2 species of mammalia, 4 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 16 species of insects were actually inhabiting Seoul; thus, the final 55 protected species were selected.

• Journal of Korean Society of Archives and Records Management
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.165-179
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• 2015

Archives have historical and academic values. That is why the study of preservation conditions and the environment for the effective management of various records progress. However, materials such as paper and adhesives will inevitably cause biological damages. These damages spread into the inner side of archives, which would make it impossible to recover. For example, archival records from Malaysia and Oman are easily exposed to biological damage because of these countries' hot and humid climate. As such, once records are damaged, disinfection operations are customary in these areas. Methyl bromide (MeBr) and ethylene oxide (EtO) were used in the disinfection process as they showed good insecticidal effect. However their antibacterial effect are negligible. As such, the need for an environmental-friendly fumigator was evident. An environmental-friendly fumigator is designed to improve storage stability. Such equipment is expected to contribute to prevention of damages to cultural heritages through its use of vaporization technology, maintenance of a disinfection space (chamber), and self-generation of nitrogen.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.365-380
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• 2017

Rapid changes in the flora of exotic species are ecological problems that cause the alteration of national and regional biota. The purpose of this study is to identify the reality of neophyte flora currently inhabiting in Korea. Having analyzed a total of 151 studies published up until 2016, we found the qualitative and quantitative gaps among the preceding studies due to the lack of rigorousness on the application of the spatial and temporal level of exotic species and academic terminology. In this study, the neophyte is defined as the flora introduced temporarily after the Enlightenment in Korea (late 19th century) and spatially in the Eastern Asiatic Province of the Takhtajan's floral region instead of a country boundary. A total of 326 taxa of 184 genera of 39 families were identified and analyzed for their distributional origin and habitat characteristics. Approximately 87% (285 taxa) was a component of the single-layered herb vegetation, and a total of 211 taxa originated from Europe and North America which are the same temperate biome as Korea. The wetland vegetation components were much fewer with 21 taxa, but they included a large number of invasive alien species that caused critical deterioration in the habitat structure and function of aquatic ecosystems. Ecological approaches to exotic species categories such as Ephemerophyten and Apophyten have emerged.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.222-241
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• 2020

The Taereung Royal Tomb from the Joseon Dynasty is the tomb of Empress Munjeong, the second queen of King Jungjong, and it contains various types of stone artifacts. All of these stone artifacts were constructed using coarse- to medium-grained biotite granite. The major types of deterioration of the stone artifacts are identified as surface weathering and biological contaminants. Exfoliation (145 sculptures), granular decomposition (138 sculptures), and repair materials (156 sculptures), along with biological contaminant algae (154 sculptures), lichen (165 sculptures) and moss (97 sculptures), have a high occurrence frequency. In particular, it is deemed that immediate conservation treatment is required, as biological deterioration (algae) represents the most serious condition (grade 3 or higher in 94% of all stones), and it is thought that exfoliation and granulation decomposition are required for long-term conservation management. As a result of equo -tip hardness and ultrasonic measurement, more than 70% of stones were found to have very weak physical properties. Through hyperspectral analysis, organisms were shown to inhabit more than 80% of the surface of burial mound stone artifacts, and P (phosphorus), S (sulfur), Cl (chlorine), and Ca (calcium) were detected in this area. This is because Taereung Royal Tomb has been exposed to the outdoors for hundreds of years and has been weathered by physical, chemical, and biological factors. Therefore, among the stone artifacts in the Taereung Royal Tomb, those with high physical weathering grades are considered to require consolidation to reinforce them physically. Since organisms are highly likely to cause stone damage, they must be removed via dry and wet cleaning. In addition, in order to delay the reoccurrence of organisms following conservation treatment, it is necessary to regularly clean up the soil that has flowed into the burial mound, and to monitor conservation conditions over the long term.