• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.191-197
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• 1992

An ancient Korean bronze dagger excavated from Yongjai-ri, Iksan-kun, presumed to be manufactured in the pre-historical age, was examined by means of chemical analysis, energy dispersive spectrometry, optical and scanning electron microscopy. Also the measurement of lead isotope ratios was carried out in order to predict the site where raw materials were produced. The composition was identified as 75.3% Cu, 17.1% Sn and 6.8% Pb which was a typical composition of Korean bronze dagger. The microstructure was consisted of ${\alpha}$ and (${\alpha}+{\delta}$) eutectoid. The (${\alpha}+{\delta}$) eutectoid can be easily corroded in comparison with ${\alpha}$. The segregation was frequently observed in the interior of the sample. According to the lead isotopes ratios, raw materials have possibility to be from North China.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.143-148
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• 2010

A bronze dagger excavated from the historical site at Bongili in Gyeongju was examined for its microstructure and chemical compositions. The results show that it was forged out of the Cu-10 weight % Sn alloy having no lead. The application of forging in fabrication and the use of an unleaded alloy distinguish this artifact from other bronze daggers that have been reported in Korea, the majority of which were cast from leaded Cu-Sn alloys. This dagger is a rare and valuable archaeological material suggesting a unique bronze technology practiced in ancient Gyeongju area.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.67-73
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• 2013

Microbial diversity of soil samples from ancient stone-lined tombs was investigated. The tombs, discovered at Eoryung Ocheon-Ri site, Korea, were estimated to be belonged to middle class people from an ancient country, Gaya, which existed till AD 559 at the southern part of Korea. Nine fungal stains and 70 bacterial strains were isolated from the twelve soil samples, which were collected from the tomb Nos. 5 and 6. Ribosomal DNA sequence analysis discovered 5 fungal and 22 bacterial strains belonged to 10 genus groups from the tomb No. 5 while 1 fungal and 28 bacterial strains belonged to 6 genus from the tomb No. 6. The higher microbial diversity suggests that the tomb No. 5 was constructed warmer season than the tomb No. 6. Moreover, the discovery of Staphylococcus warneri, which is found as part of the skin flora on human and animals, and Bacillus aquimaris, which is a marine bacterium and can be discovered from tidal flat, from the surface of large dagger suggests that the ancient people may use meat and seafood at the burial ceremony.