• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.123-142
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• 2020

We attempted an experimental study of lost-wax casting to reconstruct the Gilt-bronze pensive Bodhisattva; The main object we aimed to reconstruct was the Korean national treasure No.83, Gilt-bronze pensive Bodhisattva(Maitreya); thus, we scientifically analyzed and measured the alloy ratio and casting method. Initially, the alloy ratio we used during the preliminary experiment was Cu:Sn:Pb = 95.5:4.0:0.5; we then increased tin and lead by 2.5% to consider vaporization during the main experiment. After applying lost-wax casting, we realized that 30% rosin contributed to proper hardness after the wax hardness experiment. The microstructure revealed normal casting character(α-Cu, δ), and the results of the chemical analysis are identical to those of previous studies. The analysis of the mold suggests the presence of quartz powder for structural stability and fire-resistance along with other organic materials whose contribution is still unknown. We expect that our research will serve to provide basic data for advanced studies in the future.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.78-87
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• 2018

Asian lacquer has been used as an adhesive and coating material in Asian countries, such as China, Japan, and Korea, and other southeast Asian countries. In this study, the changes in the chemical structure of lacquer with drying was analyzed using pyrolysis/GC/MS (which is useful in analyzing polymeric material) to understand its drying procedures. Upon increasing temperature, the dried lacquer was fully pyrolyzed above the pyrolysis temperature of $500^{\circ}C$. The repeatability was good at the pyrolysis temperature of $500^{\circ}C$ (rsd = 2.6-22.3 %); however, there were differences in the pyrogram patterns when the difference in sample quantity was large. The characteristic peaks of Asian lacquer components, such as those corresponding to 1,2-benzenediol and 3-methyl-1,2-benzenediol, were detected and the compound of each peak was assigned according to the mass library. As the lacquer dried, the composition of pyrolysis products with urushiol derivatives bearing 3 C=C bonds was severely reduced compared with the ones with no C=C bonds, indicating that the polymerization is related to C=C bonds. These results can be applied to confirm the presence of lacquer in excavated relics and to monitor the changes in the composition of raw lacquer with drying.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.393-404
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• 2020

We observed changes in the properties of the glaze layer according to the content of iron oxide and inferred the composition, content, and environment of the materials used in the past during the production process of black ware. First, experiments were conducted using different ratios of iron oxide, feldspar, calcite, and ash at different temperatures and firing environments; the characteristics of glaze were classified into five groups in the oxidation environment. Different properties were identified in the reducing environment above 1200℃. The crystal identified in the experiment was similar to the glaze characteristics in the excavated black ware. The crystal phase appeared in four groups: band shape, circular, arborescent phase, and needle crystal, depending on the change in the content of iron oxide. However, the difference in crystals did not appear significantly at high temperatures. In addition, crystals of glaze were divided into two groups depending on the component ratio. The presence or absence of feldspar is thought to affect crystallinity and amorphous iron oxide and the changes in the glaze layer changed substantially depending on the amount of iron oxide. In particular, it was confirmed that the aspects of iron oxide in the oxidation and reduction environments were different and, therefore, crystallization due to the firing environment also affected the optical characteristics.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.549-560
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• 2016

The purpose of this study is to identify the material characteristics of blackwares excavated from the Bonggok kiln site in Jinan-gun, Jeollabuk-do Province, South Korea, by scientific analyses and a reproduction experiment. Scientific analyses were conducted to determine the physical properties, chemical composition and for microscopic observation of blackwares. A reproduction experiment was also conducted by producing ceramic samples with black glaze, red ocher and limestone, and then cross sections of the samples were observed. The analysis results showed that all the excavated blackwares have similar properties such as chromaticity, specific gravity, absorption factor and porosity, but there is a difference depending on the crystallization of the ceramics. Thermal analysis showed that the exothermic peak was observed at about $1200^{\circ}C$, and crystal structure analysis indicated the presence of mullite. Hence, it can be concluded that the firing temperature of the excavated blackwares was around $1100-1200^{\circ}C$. Moreover, the glaze present on these blackwares has about 22% higher $Fe_2O_3$ content than those excavated from other places; however, the former has lower CaO content. For the reproduction experiment, samples were made using limestone as a flux and red ocher as a glaze. The results show that the cross section of the glaze layer of the reproduced sample have iron crystals with dendritic structures, similar to those present in the excavated black-wares. It is assumed that such iron crystals were formed during the process of melting and solidification of the iron oxide present in the blackwares.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.102-121
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• 2010

Three bronze bells excavated from the Hoeamsa temple site were investigated for their microstructures and chemical compositions in an effort to understand the technology applied in fabrication, which may represent the related industry established in the early Joseon period. The result shows that the bells were cast from alloys of approximately 85% copper-8% tin-7% lead. The chemical analysis for ten trace elements shows that they were all kept below 0.3 weight %, suggesting that the alloys were made of relatively well-refined copper, tin and lead. The presence of sulfur and iron indicates that chalcopyrite or chalcocite may have been used in the smelting of copper. Evidence has been found that the bells were cast by pouring the liquid metal from the top of the sand molds that were set up in an upright position. No additional treatments, thermal or mechanical, other than a little grinding were applied upon the completion of casting. After the shaping process, a balancing plate was attached to the top of the bell using a steel connection ring. The connection assembly was then fixed to the main body by using molten bronze as a solder. The surface inscription was found carved using different techniques. The differences in the order of strokes and the calligraphic style indicate that the carving was carried out by more than one master. In the absence of documentary evidence on past bronze technology, the present bronze bells with known chronology, provenance and the main agent of production, prove to be a rare and valuable archaeological material for the understanding of the related technology in use in the early Joseon period.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.146-159
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• 2019

This study focuses on the understanding of human subsistence and pottery use during ancient times on the Korean peninsula through lipid analysis of potsherds from several major prehistoric settlement sites. Ancient human subsistence has been one of the long-standing topics in Korean archaeology. However, since the high acidity of sediments does not allow long-term preservation of organic remains, we still lack some critical information related to the prehistoric diet. Pottery contains relatively well-preserved organic remains created during past cooking events. Though pottery is one of the most studied material cultures in Korean archaeology, almost no attention has been given to analyzing the pottery itself. This is a surprising omission and represents a serious gap in our understanding of prehistoric technology and subsistence. The analysis of ancient lipids extracted from the pottery matrix using GC-MS and isotope analysis can contribute to our understanding of the true nature of past subsistence strategies. Potsherd samples for the analyses in this study were collected from six prehistoric and early historic settlement sites located in the central part of the Korean peninsula. The results showed that subsistence strategies differed by both location and time period. For example, at Jungdo, an inland open-air Bronze Age settlement site in Chuncheon City, we were able to see the presence of terrestrial mammals. At Gahak-dong, Gwangmyeong City, marine resources were utilized, as the location of the site is not far from the coastline. At the early historic site of Guwol-dong, Incheon City, we were able to detect dairy products. The results of this study suggest that there was utilization of a wider range of resources among ancient dwellers in the central part of the Korean peninsula.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.232-244
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• 2021

This study examined the physical attributes and heat treatment characteristics of glass beads excavated from the Gimhae area, which is the location of Geumgwan Gaya. This enabled classification of surface characteristics of the beads based on the investigation of the color, size, and shape. The glass beads were classified into eight color systems, with purplish-blue beads as the representative color. Bead size was categorized into three types depending on the outer diameter and how it increased over time. Bead shapes were categorized as round, tubular, or doughnut-shaped based on the inner diameter and length, with round being the typical shape. According to the degree of heat treatment, there are three types of cross-section for glass beads that are manufactured by the drawing technique, most of which are the HT-III type. In addition, it is estimated that the heat treatment technology has more considerable effects than other methods. Through non-destructive analysis, the chemical composition was obtained and categorized as flux, stabilizer, and colorant. Analysis confirmed the presence of 63 and 9 pieces in the potash and soda glass groups, respectively. Overall findings from the study highlighted a correlation between the chemical composition and the external factors such as color, size, shape, and manufacturing technology of glass beads recovered from Geumgwan Gaya, revealing characteristics related to that time and region.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.289-300
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• 2022

In the 6^th and 7^th centuries, 5 iron artifacts excavated form the Baekje Stone Tomb in Guryong-ri site, Ungcheon, Boryeong, were studied. The sample were metal microscopic observation, SEM-EDS analysis and Raman micro-spectroscopy analysis were conducted to understand the metallurgical characteristics. The microstructure observation showed the presence of ferrite and pearlite throughout, and differences in carbon content existed depending on the direction. Non-metallic inclusions were in the form of long lines, and most of them were wüstite, fayalite. It is indicated that the artifacts were forge welded using hypoeutectoid steel, with signs of carburizing and decarburizing processes. Some crystals with high P₂O₅, TiO₂, CaO content were identified as sarcopside, ulvöspinel, and perovskite, respectively, through Raman spectroscopy. A comparison of the results with previous studies on the sites of Bujang-ri site in Seosan and Bongseon-ri site in Seocheon, which are adjacent sites in the coastal area, revealed that, while heat treatment technology was available, the artifacts were not heat-treated considering the purpose for use for these artifacts. The chemical composition of the non-metallic inclusions P₂O₅, TiO₂, CaO were plotted in proportions to SiO₂ and compared with adjacent sites. Considering that the P₂O₅/SiO₂ ratio was widely distributed, the refining technology was not uniform. In addition, the TiO₂/SiO₂ ratio was found to be higher than that of other sites, meaning that a titanium-containing ore was used to manufacture the artifacts, unlike in surrounding sites, but it is not detected in all artifacts, so it may have been affected by various factors such as furnace walls in addition to raw materials. Although slag formers were used, considering the CaO/SiO₂ ratio and the (Al₂O₃/SiO₂)/(CaO/SiO₂) ratio, which appear to be similar to the surrounding sites, but it is possible that CaO containing raw ore was used because it is also affected by the components of raw ore. As a result of the study, it is highly likely that ore different from that of the surrounding sites was used for production, but a more comprehensive comparative study with the surrounding sites is needed in the future.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.272-287
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• 2019

The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was established in 1953 by the Korean War Armistice Agreement. It extends from the estuary of the Imjin River, in the west, to the coast of the East Sea. It is 4 km in width and 148 km in length. However, the ecosystems of the civilian control zone (CCZ) located between the southern border of the DMZ and the civilian control line (CCL) and the CCZ in the estuary of the Han River and the Yellow Sea are similar to those in the DMZ, and, therefore, the ecosystems of the DMZ and the CCZ are collectively known as the "ecosystems of the DMZ and its vicinities." The flora in the DMZ and its vicinities is composed of 1,864 species, which accounts for about 42% of all the vascular plant species on the Korean Peninsula and its affiliated islands. Conducting a detailed survey on the vegetation, flora, and fauna in the DMZ is almost impossible due to the presence of landmines and limitations on the time allowed to be spent in the DMZ. However, to assess the environmental impact of the Munsan-Gaesong railroad reconstruction project, it was possible to undertake a limited vegetation survey within the DMZ in 2001. The vegetation in Jangdan-myeon, in Paju City within the DMZ, was very simple. It was mostly secondary forests dominated by oaks such as Quercus mongolica, Q. acutissima, and Q. variabilis. The other half of the DMZ in Jangdan-myeon was occupied by grassland composed of tall grasses such as Miscanthus sinensis, M. sacchariflorus, and Phragmites japonica. Contrary to the expectation that the DMZ may be covered with pristine mature forests due to more than 60 years of no human interference, the vegetation in the DMZ was composed of simple secondary forests and grasslands formed on former rice paddies and agricultural fields. At present, the only legal protection system planned for the DMZ is the Natural Environment Conservation Act, which ensures that the DMZ would be managed as a nature reserve for only two years following Korean reunification. Therefore, firstly, the DMZ should be designated as a site of domestic legally protected areas such as nature reserve (natural monument), scenic site, national park, etc. In addition, we need to try to designate the DMZ as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve or as a World Heritage site, or as a Ramsar international wetland for international cooperation. For nomination as a world heritage site, we can emphasize the ecological and landscape value of the wetlands converted from the former rice paddies and the secondary forests maintained by frequent fires initiated by military activities. If the two Koreas unexpectedly reunite without any measures in place for the protection of nature in the DMZ, the conditions prior to the Korean War, such as rice paddies and villages, will return. In order to maintain the current condition of the ecosystems in the DMZ, we have to discuss and prepare for measures including the retention of mines and barbed-wire fences, the construction of roads and railroads in the form of tunnels or bridges, and the maintenance of the current fire regime in the DMZ.

• Journal of architectural history
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• v.13 no.1 s.37
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• pp.71-81
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• 2004

The $18^{th}$ century's Industrial Revolution brought about influx of commerce, industry, and agricultural population into the urban areas, entering the $19^{th}$ century. Quality of rural communities declined, and the exploding population in the cities gave rise to various problems. 'Mietskaserne' Blockhousing was constructed by the 'Hobrechtplan', but led to social problems such as poor living conditions, insufficient sunshine due to overcrowding, slums due to incomplete urban infrastructure, epidemics, and so on. Starting in the early $20^{th}$ century, Berlin has driven forward a remodeling plan under the motto of 'critical reconstruction (kritische Rekonstruktion)'. It is performed in the place, which represents the vicissitudinous history of Berlin with site plans coexisting past with presence, using modern vocabulary of architectural forms. Reconstructing a city is a process which not only raises the economic value of each building consisting a city, but also a redevelopment process that brings out cultural value of an era. When a new era emerges buildings get reconstructed or rebuilt, and thereby form the identity of a city by reflecting its society, culture, politics, economy, and history. Old German architecture were not destroyed or rebuilt recklessly just by the fact that they are functionally or aesthetically outdated. Each building is treated as precious cultural heritage reflecting the history. This is how Berlin is being transformed today.