• Conservation Science in Museum
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• v.27
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• pp.147-164
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• 2022

Over 200,000 Korean cultural heritage items are currently located abroad. They have made their way to 22 countries under different circumstances and with unique backgrounds. While some of them continue to contribute to promoting Korean culture around the world, others cannot be exhibited due to damage or poor condition. In view of these circumstances, the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation (OKCHF) has since 2013 provided museums and art galleries abroad with support for the conservation, restoration, and utilization of the Korean cultural heritage items that they house. As a part of these efforts and on the occasion of the 120th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between the Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Belgium in 2021, a gilt-bronze case for acupuncture needles dating to the Goryeo period (918-1392) from the collection of the Royal Museums of Art and History (RMAH), Belgium was brought to Korea for conservation treatment. The primary purpose of this conservation treatment was to restore the original form of the relic and slow to the degree possible the progress of corrosion. The conservation treatment of the gilt-bronze case followed the fundamental order of conservation treatment: removal of corrosive substances, stabilization, and reinforcement. Since this was the first case of restoring metallic cultural properties under the abovementioned support program by the OKCHF, special methodologies distinct from those available in overseas institutions were required. Diverse scientific methods (e.g., X-ray inspection, CT scanning, 3D microscopy) were applied to identify the metalcraft techniques used in the Goryeo period. The analysis found that several designs, including lotus and scrollwork, were exquisitely engraved on the surface of the case by making dots using a round-edged chisel. A bronze plate engraved with designs was rolled into a cylindrical form. The ends were overlapped by 2 to 3 centimeters and then attached to each other by silver soldering. The overlapping ends were welded flat with nearly no gaps. As the final process in the production, the case was lavishly gilt with gold powder using amalgam gilding. The conservation treatment of the gilt-bronze case for acupunctural needles in the RMAH collection restored the original form of the relic and arrested further corrosion. Above all, it revived the historic and academic value of the overseas Korean cultural heritage through scientific analysis.

• Conservation Science in Museum
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• v.30
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• pp.71-88
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• 2023

This paper examined the visible characteristics and chemical composition of glass beads from the Joseon Dynasty as well as the associations thereof. It also explored the characteristics and uses of glass beads by region. This study covered a total of 1,819 pieces excavated from 25 locations in the Gyeonggi, Chungcheong, and Gyeongsang regions, of which 537 pieces were analyzed for their chemical composition. Glass beads of the Joseon Dynasty take a variety of shapes such as a Round, Coil, Floral, Segmented, Flat, Oval, and Calabash. Colors vary from shades of brown (brown, lemon yellow) and shades of blue (Bluish-Green, greenish-Blue, Purple-Blue) to shades of white (colorless, white) and shades of green (Green, Greenish-Blue, Greenish-Brown). Brown accounts for the largest percentage, followed by Bluish-Green, greenish-Blue. It was identified that Drawing technique was the most common glass bead production technique of the Joseon Dynasty. Potassium oxide (K₂O) was the most common flux agent for glass beads, while the potash glass and mixed alkali glass groups account for the largest quantity. The choice of stabilizers depended on the type of flux agents used, but the most common were calcium oxide (CaO) and aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). The potash glass and potash lead glass groups are high in CaO and low in Al₂O₃, the mixed alkali glass group is high in CaO, and the lead glass group is low in CaO. In terms of the association between color and shape, most of the beads with shade of brown and blue have round shapes of brown and blue have spherical shapes, while the coil shape is prominent in blue beads. A high percentage of green and colorless beads also take the shape of a coil, while white beads in general have a floral shape. In terms of the association between shape and chemical composition, round, floral and segmented shapes account for a high percentage of the potash glass group, while coil and flat shapes are common in the mixed alkali glass group. This paper also analyzed the colorants for each color based on the association between color and chemical composition. Iron (Fe) was used as the colorant for brown and white, and titanium (Ti) and iron were used for light yellow. Purple-Blue was produced by by cobalt (Co), and greenish-Blue, Bluish-Green, green, Greenish-Blue were produced by iron and copper (Cu). Colorless beads had a generally low colorant content.

• Bangmulgwan gwa yeongu (The National Museum of Korea Journal)
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• v.1
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• pp.96-119
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• 2024

Some inscribed bricks excavated from the western region of North Korea have been found bearing an era name used after 314 when the Nangnang and Daebang Commanderies had been completely ousted from the region. Others have been found with an era name used in the early fifth century. This indicates that the tradition of constructing brick chamber tombs was sustained for a century after the disappearance of the two commanderies. However, brick chamber tombs were never adopted as a burial system for the ruling class of the Goguryeo Kingdom. The Tomb of Jang Mui built in 348 and the Tomb of Dongni built in 353 both departed from the typical brick chamber tomb style of the region, and elements associated with stone chamber tombs were added to them. The Tomb of Dongsu (Anak Tomb No. 3), which is similar to the other two tombs in that its occupant is of Chinese descent, was constructed in 357 not as a brick chamber tomb, but as an earthen mound tomb with a stone chamber. Still, the continuation of brick chamber tomb tradition in the next half century has been somewhat puzzling. Although dated inscribed bricks have served as important evidence for understanding the continuation of the brick chamber tomb tradition, there has been a problem of continually repeating previous studies. It has also been pointed out that there was an error in the interpretation of era names in some of the dated inscribed bricks that had been believed to have been produced in or after 357. For example, "second year of Taean" (Taian in Chinese), which had been understood to correspond to 386 (during the Former Qin Dynasty), in fact refers to 303 (during the reign of Emperor Hui of the Western Jin Dynasty). In the case of "first year of Geonsi" (Jianshi in Chinese), which had been believed to indicate 407 (during the Later Yan Dynasty), it actually refers to 301. "Geonsi" is the era name used during the period when Sima Yun ousted Emperor Hui of the Western Jin Dynasty and briefly occupied imperial throne. Outside these two cases, the remaining dated inscribed bricks thought to have been produced in or after 357 are those dated to the "third year of Wonheung" (Yuanxing in Chinese). However, a reexamination of these bricks reveals that what is really "Yeongheung" (Yongxing in Chinese) has been misread as "Wonheung." The third year of Yeongheung corresponds to either 306 during the Western Jin Dynasty or 352 during the Later Zhao Dynasty, but it is highly probable that it refers to 306. This means that there is no conclusive evidence to support the hypothesis that brick chamber tombs were built in the area until the late fourth century and even into the early fifth. Accordingly, the Tombs of Jang Mui and Dongni should be viewed as the latest known brick chamber tombs to be constructed in the western region of North Korea. Moreover, brick chamber tombs appear to have been no longer built in the area around the time when the Tomb of Dongsu was constructed. These speculations accord with the historical circumstances of the time.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.90-101
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• 2024

The test answer sheets submitted by examinees in the Joseon Dynasty were called Sigwon (test papers with answers, 試卷), and Siji (blank test papers, 試紙) were generally prepared by the examinees themselves. At that time, paper was not produced as a standard product, so there was no uniformity in size or manufacturing method. Mulberry paper in the Joseon Dynasty was basically transparent, so various paper processing methods were applied for examinees to write answers on both sides. In order for ink lines to be written smoothly, Dochim (hitting paper with a wooden bat on the stone, 搗砧) or surface processing was treated. We found a 19th-century Siji (試紙) that was processed in a unique way, which led to this study. An unusual Sigwon (試卷) is one by Lee Mangi (李晩耆) from 1848 owned by the National Folk Museum of Korea. We found that an opaque white substance was thickly applied between the papers of this Siji (試紙). Through component analysis using infrared spectrophotometry, fluorescence X-ray spectroscopy, optical and polarizing microscopy, and electron microscopy, this white substance was proved to be rice starch. From these analyses, it is presumed that this Siji (試紙) was made by soaking rice flour in water to remove a significant amount of protein, and then applying wet starch containing a small amount of protein between sheets of paper. In addition, with a Siji (試紙) reproduction experiment, we found that the paper reproduced by this processing method was thick and high in whiteness and opacity. This is believed to be a production method designed to produce double-sided paper without using multiple sheets of paper, which was difficult to obtain at that time. In this study, the material processed between the sheets of paper was disclosed only from < Lee Mangi (李晩耆)'s Sigwon (試卷)(Minsok 71745)>, but this appears to be one of several processing methods to treat the paper during the Joseon Dynasty. We hope that more similar Sigwons will be discovered in the future and that extensive research on processing methods will be conducted.

• MISULJARYO - National Museum of Korea Art Journal
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• v.100
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• pp.112-138
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• 2021

This paper mainly analyzes the records titled 'Shijujil(施主秩)' from the Bokjangs of each of the Rocana and Shakyamuni statues enshrined as wooden seated Vairocana Buddha Triadcomposed of Vairocana(center), Rocana(right), and Shakyamuni(left) at the Daeungjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple in Gurye. The Shijujil from the Shakyamuni statue was recovered through Bokjang investigation in September 2015 and has been kept in the museum of Hwaeomsa as an undisclosed relic. After the discovery of the Shijujil from the Rocana statue through an Bokjang investigation in July 2020, both of the Shijujils were only officially released through the special exhibition 'Grand Hwaeomsa Temple in Jirisan Mountain' in September 2021. Existing documents recording on the creation of Buddha statues in the 17th century are in the form of sheets or rolls. However, the Shijujils take the form of simple stitched booklets. The Shijujil from Rocana consists of 19 chapters and 38 pages in one book, and the Shijujil from Shakyamuni consists of 11 chapters and 22 pages in one book. The contents of the Shijujils consist of the purpose of the Buddha statue creation, the creation date, the year and place of enshrining, the names of the statues, the people in charge and their roles, the sculptors, the list of items donated, and the list of the contributors. In addition, the list of monks who were staying at Hwaeomsa Temple at that time are also recorded, so the Shijujil is like a time capsule that tells the situation of Hwaeomsa Temple about 400 years ago. According to the records of the Shijujils and the Writing on the wooden pedestal of Rocana, the Vairocana Triad began to be in March 1634(12th year of King Injo) and was completed in August of that year, and was enshrined in the Daeungjeon Hall in the fall of the following year. It is very important to confirm that the Vairocana Buddha Triad of Hwaeomsa was created in 1634. Since studies on the reconstruction of Hwaeomsa Temple in the 17th century and the roles of Byeokam Gakseong have been mainly based on 『湖南道求禮縣智異山大華嚴寺事蹟』 written by monk Haean in 1636, it has been estimated that the wooden seated Vairocana Buddha Triad was created in 1636. However, it is now known that the Virocana Buddha Triad was created in 1634. The Shijujils are also a good source of information about Byeokam Gakseong who played a pivotal roles in the reconstruction projects of Hwaeomsa Temple in the 17th century. He played leading roles in rebuilding the East Five-story Stone Pagoda(1630), in creating the wooden seated Vairocana Buddha Triad(1634), and in producing the Yeongsanhoe Gwaebul(1653, Hanging Scroll Painting depicting the Shakyamuni preaching). It is also very important that the Shijujils are records that can reveal the relationship between Byeokam Gakseong and royal family of Joseon Dynasty in the 17th century. The Shijujils from Rocana and Shakyamuni are the first documents ever discovered in which the names of royal family members, such as Uichanggun(Gwang Lee, son of King Seonjo), Ikseong Shin(son-in-law of King Seonjo), and Crown Prince Sohyeon(son of King Injo) are recorded in detail in relation to the production of Buddha statues. The Shijujils from Rocana and Shakyamuni contain specific information about the production of the wooden seated Vairocana Buddha Triad in the 17th century, such as the year of production of the Buddha statues, the role of Byeokam Gakseong, and the relationship between Byeokam Gakseong and the royal family, so it is of great value not only for art history but also for historical studies of Hwaeomsa Temple.

• MISULJARYO - National Museum of Korea Art Journal
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• v.104
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• pp.70-100
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• 2023

The celadon made in the Goryeo era, a time when Buddhism was flourishing in Korea, naturally contains many elements of Buddhist culture. Among them, inlaid celadon with Sanskrit inscriptions bears a close relationship with esoteric Buddhism. However, the research on deciphering the Sanskrit inscriptions has made little progress due to the small number of extant examples. However, the four recent excavations at the No. 23 kiln site in Sadang-ri, Gangjin have yielded new materials that allow the existing materials to be categorized into several types. The results obtained through the reading and interpretation of the inscriptions are as follows: First, the Sanskrit characters inlaid on the celadon were parts of mantras. Inscriptions where only one character is apparent cannot be deciphered, but scholars have revealed that others are written in the manner of a wheel mantra represent the "Mantra for Purifying the Dharma-Realm," "Six-Syllable Mantra of the Vidyaraja," "Sweet Dew Mantra," "Jewel Pavilion Mantra," "Mantra of the Savior Bodhisattva," "Dharani of the Mind of the Budha of Infinite Life," and "Mantra for Extinguishing Evil Rebirth." Each mantra was written in Siddham script. Second, they are believed to have been produced during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries based on the arrangement of the inscriptions and the way the "Sweet Dew Mantra" is included in the "40 Hands Mantra." In particular, the celadon pieces with a mantra inlaid in a concentric manner are dated to the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries based on their production characteristics. Third, the interpretation of the inlaid mantras suggests that they all refer to the "Shattering Hell" and "Rebirth in the Pure Land." Based on this, it can be concluded that some of these inlaid celadon wares with mantras may have been used in Buddhist rituals for the dead, such as the ritual for feeding hungry ghosts (施餓鬼會). Also, because the Sadang-ri No. 23 kiln site and the "ga" area of the site are believed to have produced royal celadon, it is likely that these rituals were performed at the royal court or a temple under its influence. Fourth, this inlaid Goryeo celadon with Sanskrit mantras was not a direct influence of the ceramics of Yuan China. It emerged by adopting Yuan Chinese Buddhist culture, which was influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, into Goryeo Korea's existing esoteric practices. Fifth, the celadon wares inlaid with a Sanskrit mantra reveal a facet of the personal esoteric rituals that prevailed in late Goryeo society. Changes in esotericism triggered by the desire for relief from anxieties can be exemplified in epitaph tablets and coffins that express a shared desire for escaping hell and being born again in paradise. Sixth, the inlaid celadon with Sanskrit mantras shares some common features with other crafts. The similarities include the use of Siddham Sanskrit, the focus on Six-Syllable Mantra of the Vidyaraja, the correspondence with the contents of the mantras found on Buddhist bells, wooden coffins, and memorial tablets, and their arraignment in a similar manner with rooftiles. The major difference between them is that the Mantra for Extinguishing Evil Rebirth and the Sweet Dew Manta have not yet been found on other craftworks. I believe that the inscriptions of Sanskrit mantras are found mainly on inlaid celadon vessels due to their relatively low production cost and efficiency.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.385-392
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• 2005

This study was conducted in order to analysis the forest fire effect to the raptors habitating in and around the large forest fire occurred area, Goseong country, Gangwon province, Korea. There were observed raptor birds belonging to 8 species, 3 families, and 2 orders in the survey area. The most dominant species was Eurasian Hobby(Falco subbuteo), which was followed by Common Buzzard(Buteo buteo), Kestrel(Faico tinnunculus) and Chinese Sparrow Hawk(Accipiter soloensis). The largest number of species and individuals were observed in May 2002. In partially undamaged areas and undamaged areas, five species of rapacious birds were observed, which was the largest number of species observed. If an environment where rapacious birds can build nests is created in forest fire damaged area in order to raise the number of species and population, the number of species and population of rapacious birds living in the forest fire damaged area will grow further.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.453-469
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• 2019

The celadon jar with inscription of 'the Fourth Sunhwa Year' is an important chronology that shows the conditions of production of the early celadon due to the inscription on the bottom including its purpose, application, and the producer. This celadon jar has been restored several times in the past. However, concerns over the structural stability, such as the separation and level differences in the joined cracks, have risen because of the aging of the repair materials, which were subjected to various environmental changes over a long time. By examining the conditions of preservation, the major damage was identified as the '入' shaped crack on the front, the 'V' shaped restored part and the crack on its left side, and the 'J' shaped crack on the back side. In the past, the cracks were found to be joined using a refined lacquer containing camphor, drying oil, rosin, etc. mixed with soil powder. The joint line was repainted with the refined lacquer and covered with gold powder. The missing parts were restored with gypsum and colored with acrylic color. After that, the repair materials were aged and emergency treatment was performed at the National Museum of Korea in 1981. At that time, Cemedine C or Cemedine C mixed with microballoons was used for reinforcing the cracks. Conservation treatment focused on removing the past repair materials and reinforcing the physically fragile parts by joining and restoring them based on the examination of the preservation condition. in addition, the area around the restored part was colored for future exhibition.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.211-225
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• 2018

The Stupa of the State Preceptor Jigwang from the Beopcheonsaji temple site in Wonju (National Treasure No. 101) was built in the Goryeo Period (around the 11th century), with very excellent style and techniques. It was returned to the Korea after being taken to Osaka of Japan without notice in 1912, and was severely damaged during the Korean War. Subsequently, the Stupa was restored using restoration materials like mortar, and relocated to the National Palace Museum of Korea. Surface contaminants in the Stupa primarily existed around the restoration materials. Black discoloration, which indicates a high discoloration grade, signified a high possession rate in the north and inner regions of the Stupa, which may be related to the relative moisture maintenance time. Most surface contaminants were calcite and gypsum; the black discoloration area underwent secondary discoloration due to air pollution. Moreover, the stone properties exhibited a relatively low discoloration grade, exhibiting crystallized contaminants that partly covered the rock-forming minerals. Overall, the Stupa deteriorated due to discoloration and being covered by lime materials, which were dissolved as the mortar degraded. Hence, it required contaminants removal, surface cleaning and desalination during conservation treatment, in order to control the rate of physicochemical deterioration by contaminants.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.683-694
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• 2000

Abstrace: The palaeodepositional environment and age of the Cretaceous Hampyeong Basin (southwestern Korea) are reassessed based on new geochemical, lithological, sedimentological, and palaeobotanical data. Results indicate that the Hampyeong Basin was a tectonically active basin comprising predominantly fluvial and lacustrine sediments. Four distinctive facies types have been identified (acidic tuff, black shales/sandstones, red beds, intermediate tuff with tuffaceous conglomerate) and these reflect periods of significant environmental change within the basin and its neighbouring terrains. Volcanism driven by tectonic events provides a source for much of the sediment. The sedimentary sequences compare well with those in the neighbouring Haenam Basin. Sediments of volcanic origin are similar to those of the Neungju Formation of the Yuchon Group. The widespread occurrence of black shales is indicative of extended periods of deposition under anoxic conditions. Measurements of total organic carbon show that the values for the black shales (0.81% to 1.75%) are the average for petroleum source shales. Fossil plants occurred in the black shales and sandstones. The occurrence of platanoid leaves places these sediments in Oishi's angiosperm series, which is consistent with an Aptian/Albian or younger age.