• Journal of Korean Society of Archives and Records Management
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.183-193
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• 2005

A large part of the vast amounts of information produced in the world is born digital, and comes in a wide variety of formats: text, database, audio, film, image. During the meeting of the Organization's Executive Board in May 2001, Member States agreed on the need for rapid action to safeguard digital heritage. The interest of UNESCO in this situation comes as no surprise. UNESCO exists in part to encourage and enable the preservation and enjoyment of the cultural, scientific and information heritage of the world's peoples. The growth of digital heritage and its vulnerability could hardly go unnoticed. Our societies have witnessed the end of the paradigm of the written archive, a paradigm that had developed over hundreds of years. Throughout the twentieth century new media have wisely and modestly joined this prestigious tradition. This paradigm has already been transformed, and the devices in place are unable to deal with the brutal advance of information technologies, and the quantitative inflation which they cause. This goes beyond those institutions specializing in the management of memory: a whole new regime of information will have to be constructed, and quickly, completely transforming old memory and archiving systems. If this shift does not take place, our societies will suffer irremediable damage in their collective social memory.

• The Korean Journal of Archival Studies
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• no.78
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• pp.251-283
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• 2023

Compared to the word "memory" in general, the word "record" can be unfamiliar. This study addressed the problem that elementary school students do not have enough learning opportunities due to the lack of content on records in the curriculum. An educational program using Korea's UNESCO Memory of the world was conducted for three classes of 6th graders at J Elementary School, and the effect of the program was analyzed by administering pre- and post-surveys to students and in-depth interviews to teachers. The results of the student survey showed a significant improvement in their understanding, knowledge, satisfaction with the lessons, and need for records and Korean UNESCO Memory of the world. Teacher interviews confirmed the effect of the program, but suggested that it should be adjusted to fit the limited time available. Based on this, we verified the effect of the developed program and suggested directions for improvement of future record education programs.

• Journal of Korean Society of Archives and Records Management
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.27-48
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• 2005

This study investigates the current preservation and management of four records and documentary heritage in Korea that is in the UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. The study analyzes their problems and corresponding solutions in digitizing those world records heritages. This study also reviews additional four documentary books in Korea that are in the wish list to add to UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. This study is organized as the following: Chapter 2 examines the value and meanings of world records and documentary heritage in Korea. The registry requirements and procedures of UNESCO's Memory of the World Register are examined. The currently registered records of Korea include Hunmin-Chongum, the Annals of the Choson Dynasty, the Diaries of the Royal Secretariat (Seungjeongwon Ilgi), and Buljo- Jikji-Simche-Yojeol (vol. II). These records heritage's worth and significance are carefully analyzed. For example, Hunmin-Chongum("訓民正音") is consisted of unique and systematic letters. Letters were delicately explained with examples in its original manual at the time of letter's creation, which is an unparalleled case in the world documentary history. The Annals of the Choson Dynasty("朝鮮王朝實錄") are the most comprehensive historic documents that contain the longest period of time in history. Their truthfulness and reliability in describing history give credits to the annals. The Royal Secretariat Diary (called Seungjeongwon-Ilgi("承政院日記")) is the most voluminous primary resources in history, superior to the Annals of Choson Dynasty and Twenty Five Histories in China. Jikji("直指") is the oldest existing book published by movable metal print sets in the world. It evidences the beginning of metal printing in the world printing history and is worthy of being as world heritage. The review of the four registered records confirms that they are valuable world documentary heritage that transfers culture of mankind to next generations and should be preserved carefully and safely without deterioration or loss. Chapter 3 investigates the current status of preservation and management of three repositories that store the four registered records in Korea. The repositories include Kyujanggak Archives in Seoul National University, Pusan Records and Information Center of National Records and Archives Service, and Gansong Art Museum. The quality of their preservation and management are excellent in all of three institutions by the following aspects: 1) detailed security measures are close to perfection 2) archiving practices are very careful by using a special stack room in steady temperature and humidity and depositing it in stack or archival box made of paulownia tree and 3) fire prevention, lighting, and fumigation are thoroughly prepared. Chapter 4 summarizes the status quo of digitization projects of records heritage in Korea. The most important issue related to digitization and database construction on Korean records heritage is likely to set up the standardization of digitization processes and facilities. It is urgently necessary to develop comprehensive standard systems for digitization. Two institutions are closely interested in these tasks: 1) the National Records and Archives Service experienced in developing government records management systems; and 2) the Cultural Heritage Administration interested in digitization of Korean old documents. In collaboration of these two institutions, a new standard system will be designed for digitizing records heritage on Korean Studies. Chapter 5 deals with additional Korean records heritage in the wish list for UNESCO's Memory of the World Register, including: 1) Wooden Printing Blocks(經板) of Koryo-Taejangkyong(高麗大藏經) in Haein Temple(海印寺); 2) Dongui-Bogam("東醫寶鑑") 3) Samguk-Yusa("三國遺事") and 4) Mugujeonggwangdaedaranigyeong. Their world value and importance are examined as followings. Wooden Printing Blocks of Koryo-Taejangkyong in Haein Temple is the worldly oldest wooden printing block of cannon of Buddhism that still exist and was created over 750 years ago. It needs a special conservation treatment to disinfect germs residing in surface and inside of wooden plates. Otherwise, it may be damaged seriously. For its effective conservation and preservation, we hope that UNESCO and Government will schedule special care and budget and join the list of Memory of the Word Register. Dongui-Bogam is the most comprehensive and well-written medical book in the Korean history, summarizing all medical books in Korea and China from the Ancient Times through the early 17th century and concentrating on Korean herb medicine and prescriptions. It is proved as the best clinical guidebook in the 17th century for doctors and practitioners to easily use. The book was also published in China and Japan in the 18th century and greatly influenced the development of practical clinic and medical research in Asia at that time. This is why Dongui Bogam is in the wish list to register to the Memory of the World. Samguk-Yusa is evaluated as one of the most comprehensive history books and treasure sources in Korea, which illustrates foundations of Korean people and covers histories and cultures of ancient Korean peninsula and nearby countries. The book contains the oldest fixed form verse, called Hyang-Ka(鄕歌), and became the origin of Korean literature. In particular, the section of Gi-ee(紀異篇) describes the historical processes of dynasty transition from the first dynasty Gochosun(古朝鮮) to Goguryeo(高句麗) and illustrates the identity of Korean people from its historical origin. This book is worthy of adding to the Memory of the World Register. Mugujeonggwangdaedaranigyeong is the oldest book printed by wooden type plates, and it is estimated to print in between 706 and 751. It contains several reasons and evidence to be worthy of adding to the list of the Memory of the World. It is the greatest documentary heritage that represents the first wooden printing book that still exists in the world as well as illustrates the history of wooden printing in Korea.

• The Korean Journal of Archival Studies
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• no.45
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• pp.121-153
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• 2015

Struggles to gain acknowledgement of identity have a characteristic of movement to recover human dignity. Participants in this movement come to confirm themselves as the subject of rights and communicate one another, free from oppression. Being guaranteed the opportunity to participate in the public opinion formation process is an indispensable element of human rights. In 1980, though it was short and incomplete, Gwangju experienced communal autonomy under the condition that state power was temporarily stopped. The contents and memories of the Gwangju Democratization Movement that intended to protect autonomy of civil society, resisting pillage of state power, remain intact in the 1980 Archives for the May 18th. The 5.18 archives were registered in UNESCO's Memory of the World in 2011, with its value of human rights and protection of democracy being acknowledged. The 5.18 archives have memories of resistance and struggles for justice, and sacrifices and pains of citizens under oppressive political authority in Gwangju, 1980. Thus, these archives are related to the historical struggles for democracy, and suggest a lesson on the transition process towards democracy to us. Preservation and utilization of the documentary heritage constantly lead the memories of historical events to the present, and enable exchanges of experiences and ideas between the present and the future. This study, through the process of UNESCO's Memory of the World registration and post-registration process, beyond the value of archives, tries to examine how historical events are led to the present, through the archives and to discuss the other values of archives.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.96-131
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• 2015

Hanji(Korean traditional paper) is a valuable cultural heritage highly praised, even to this date, for its importance and technology by craftsmanship of our ancestors; it is a product of a combination of craftsmanship, well-established technologies, natural paper mulberry fiber and eco-friendly and durable natural materials and mucilages. Origin of the word 'Hanji(Korean traditional paper)' is from handmade paper made of bast part of the paper mulberry; as paper manufacturing with paper machines introduced in Japan was adopted in late Joseon, paper produced previously was called 'Hanji' and paper produced with western machines was called 'Yangji(machine made paper)'. Hanji has been called by many different names and used in various ways according to materials and production methods; and the functions varied. Hanji, from the era of three states to Joseon era, has been praised for its unique and excellent quality in three Asian countries(Korea, China and Japan); its unique excellence continues to this date in many paper-related national cultural heritages. Also total of 11 cases are registered to UNESCO Memory of the World for its importance, 8 of which are associated with traditional Korean paper: Hunminjeongeum, the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, Jikjisimcheyojeol, Seungjeongwon Ilgi, the Royal Protocols of the Joseon Dynasty, Donguibogam, Ilseongnok and A War Diary. To examine excellent characteristics of conservation science in Hanji, many studies have been developed. By developing analysis and manufacturing technologies, the excellence of our Hanji should be re-verified scientifically and the tradition should continue as one of the representative Korean cultural heritages.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.154-165
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• 2015

Common issues in research and policy on cultural heritage can be extracted among Eurasian countries although countries in the region show different colors of policies and studies. Among them one thing peculiar to Central Asian countries is that in general they do not have well delineated laws and regulations on the protection of cultural heritage. It may be because they had no enough time and experience to legislate and implement relevant laws and regulations ever since they got independence. Research on cultural heritage in Central Asian countries is often made in cooperation with foreign institutions. As shown in archaeological excavation projects in Central Asian countries, cooperative projects exceed noncooperative ones in terms of size and longevity. UNESCO, through its projects on the Serial and Transboundary World Heritage Nomination of the Silk Roads in Central Asia, also supports countries in Central Asia and others along the Silk Road in order to facilitate inclusion of their cultural heritages in the Tentative List of the World Heritage. With regard to activities on the protection of cultural heritage, while respective countries in Central Asia have made good efforts, they could not produce effective outcomes due to short of budget and specialized manpower. They have rich resources of cultural and documentary heritage but their registered heritages on the UNESCO's World Heritage List and Memory of the World are under-represented because of short of technology and experience among other things. A new trend in cultural heritage studies that combined cultural heritage with tourism has merged in recent years. While some critics have raised some negative questions, this new fashion became popular and will continue with the support of governments of Silk Road countries. In conclusion, Korean institutions are further encouraged to organize cooperative networks for research and policy with respective Eurasian countries.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.180-195
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• 2024

Community beliefs of the coastal villages in Gochang are cultural activities and rituals manifesting the hopes and spiritual worlds of the locals who live off the sea and tidal mud. Along with their societal functions wishing for peace, maritime safety, and good catches, the values of the Jwajeongdam (How god came to be), Yuraedam (History of worshipping), and Yeongheomdam (Stories of miracles), as living heritage need to be reexamined according to the recent Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The community beliefs of the coastal villages in Gochang, where outstanding universal intangible and tangible values coexist, have been perpetually transmitted in interactions with tidal mud and the ecological environments of the sea. They reinforce the "Outstanding Universal Value" UNESCO mentions and sustainability that connects the past, present, and future. Furthermore, a coastal area is endowed with international accessibility over regionality. Hence the community beliefs are charged with eco-cultural values, which its preservation and promotion should also focus on to provide policies and protection activities. In short, the tidal mud and community beliefs of coastal villages in Gochang, which according to the concept of UNESCO's "mixed heritage," meet the values for natural, cultural, and intangible heritage at the same time, and so must be approached not in the scope of points or lines, but also in surfaces when arranging protection initiatives.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.106-119
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• 2014

The $76^{th}$ National Treasure is consisted of seven volumes of Nanjung Ilgi (War Diary of Admiral Yi Sun-sin; each titled by the author based on the zodiac name of the year covered, i.e. Imjin Ilgi, Gyesa Ilgi, Gabo Ilgi, Byeongsin Ilgi, Jeongyu Ilgi, Sok Jeongyu Ilgi, Musul Ilgi), Seogancheob (Letters of Admiral Yi) and Imjin Jangcho (Drafts of Imjin War Reports of Admiral Yi). These are currently in the custody of Hyeonchungsa shrine, the state-managed memorial shrine of Admiral Yi, and has been added to UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in June 2013 in the appreciation of its historical and academic importance as a commander's hand-written battlefield accounts during Japanese invasions of Korea. Imjin Jangcho, among these nine volumes, is a record of battles, including observations on the enemy fleets, suggestions on naval matters, battle expenditure, and methods of battle preparation, transcribed by someone else according to Admiral Yi's instructions. It is Admiral Yi's honest detailobservations on the war situation during Japanese invasions of Korea from 1592 as a Naval Commander of Left Jeolla Province, till 1594 (Year 27 of King Seonjo's reign) as a Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces of the South. It is a draft of the war report to be submitted to the King in a single volume as a folio (each sheet folded once to produce one leaf) bound in a side-stitched binding with five holes and inner binding of twisted paper. This study explores the condition and the treatment performed on Imjin Jangcho which could have an implication for the conservation of cultural assets on paper of late Joseon Dynasty.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.8 no.11
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• pp.321-329
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• 2017

Baekje Historic Areas were inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List unanimously at the 2015 World Heritage Committee held in Bonn, Germany. There are three ramparts in Beakje Historic Areas; Gongsansung fortress in Gong-ju, Busosangsung fortress and the outer city wall in Buyeo. The purpose of this study is to research the use plan and the condition of the conservation and management for enhancing values of the World Cultural Heritage. This paper analyses basic survey, repair, documentation, conservation, management, and the cases of the utilizing these fortresses through literatures and a field studies. This study, based on the management and use of Baekje fortresses, could give implications for the conservation, management, and use of other fortresses.

• (The)Study of the Eastern Classic
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• no.69
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• pp.451-479
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• 2017

The objective of this study is to examine the tasks for listing martial arts of "Muyedobotongji" on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The conclusions are like below. First, "Muyedobotongji" was published in 1790(14th year of King Jeongjo). The 24 martial arts of "Muyedobotongji" were basically divided into three types like stabbing, chopping & cutting, and hitting. Second, the value of martial arts of "Muyedobotongji" is highly evaluated because it has systematically put together the martial arts of three countries like Korea, China, and Japan of the 18th century, suitable for the actual status of Joseon Dynasty, in the new perspective. The value of "Muyedobotongji" as a Memory of the World is the martial arts book emphasizing the practicality, so that everyone including officers and soldiers could easily learn. Third, the procedure of registering martial arts of "Muyedobotongji" in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity has three stages including preparation/submission, screening, and decision, which takes two years. Especially, the screening assistance organization, as an organization under the Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention Intergovernmental Committee is composed of total six countries(one for each area) out of 24 member countries. Fourth, the tasks for listing martial arts of "Muyedobotongji" in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity are like following. (1) It would be necessary to conduct a total inspection of the collection of "Muyedobotongji". (2) It would be necessary to designate the martial arts of "Muyedobotongji" as the municipal/provincial/national intangible cultural heritage. (3) It would be needed to standardize the practical martial arts technique/movement of "Muyedobotongji". (4) The historical evidence of martial arts costumes/weapons of "Muyedobotongji" should be studied. (5) A committee for the registration of martial arts of "Muyedobotongji" in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity should be organized. (6) There should be a close cooperation system between relevant departments like the World Heritage Team of Cultural Heritage Administration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (7) Domestic/foreign data related to martial arts of "Muyedobotongji" should be comprehensively collected to meet the registration standard of UNESCO. (8) The registration type of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity should be prepared.