National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage

To better understand the formation and exchange patterns of ancient cultures, we are engaged in joint research with international institutions. From 2009 to 2014, we conducted a survey of cultural heritage sites in Mongolia’ s Gobi- Altai region and collaborated on research at the Karatepa Buddhist temple in Uzbekistan. Since 2015, we have been carrying out joint studies on the kurgans in Kazakhstan and the Pazyryk burial mounds in Mongolia’s Altai Mountains. In 2024, we signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with Türkiye to facilitate cultural heritage collaboration and have launched joint research on the Kültepe site. Additionally, we are actively involved in advancing human and academic exchange through researcher invitations, training programs, and participation in international archaeological conferences. These efforts aim to uncover ancient cultural networks and contribute to the preservation of humanity’ s shared cultural heritage.

To trace the roots of our ancient history, including Gojoseon, Buyeo, Goguryeo, and Balhae, and to clarify our relationships with neighboring countries, we conduct surveys and excavations of historical sites related to our heritage in China and Russia, while continuously monitoring research trends. Since 2006, we have maintained an agreement with the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Far Eastern Institute, conducting joint surveys of historical sites in Primorsky Krai linked to our cultural heritage. Beginning in 2008, we also carried out excavations at Balhae sites, such as Koksharovka and Sinelnikovo.

We collect, translate, and organize information on relevant policy trends, press releases, archaeological survey reports, academic activities , and publications from China and Russia. This work supports the creation of a knowledge base on historical and cultural sites in northern regions associated with our heritage.

The division publishes the Dictionaries of Korean Archaeology, which present authorized archaeological terminology along with commentaries on terms, sites, and artifacts that are important in Korean archaeology. Starting with the Dictionary of Korean Archaeology (2001), the ASD has been supporting the globalization of Korean archaeology and providing researchers and the public at large with basic information through the publication of specialized volumes divided either into epochs (the Bronze Age, Neolithic, and Paleolithic) or topics (Burials, Fortresses, Burial Artifacts, and Production Sites). In addition, it has released Terminology of Korean Archaeology (2012), and English editions of the 2001 Dictionary (2014) and the volume on the Paleolithic Age (2018). Moreover, the division has been providing information on major sites, new trends, and statistics on an annual basis through the publication of the English and Korean versions of the Journal of Korean Archaeology featuring the newest research results from excavation sites considered within the purview of Korean archaeology. In addition, the division hosts its annual conference on "Research Results from Major Excavation Sites in Korea" to provide a forum for academic exchange. Since 2020, the division has released two project publications designed to promote the general public’s understanding of the value of archaeological sites in interesting and approachable ways using stories, explanatory illustrations, images, and 360-degree panoramic pictures. History Discovered Underground describes historic sites featured in school textbooks and major historical venues from each era that are considered essential for learning Korea’s historical culture. The appropriate balance between depth and mass appeal was achieved by having experts on respective site write texts that are then edited and adapted by professional writers. Moreover, VR images of the sites can be 9 viewed by scanning the QR codes contained in the book, which allows readers to learn more about the sites either remotely or during in-person site visits. The division also promotes the appreciation and enjoyment of cultural heritage in the face of physical disabilities through the publication Stories of the Resourceful Prehistoric People, a multimedia braille-tactile book.

The division works to provide a foundation for research on cultural exchanges in ancient Korea. It supports the examination of the process of the development of material culture during the Three Kingdoms Period through ongoing data accumulation and the creation of a database on the archaeological culture of present-day North Korea and the border area between the two Koreas. Starting in 2021, a series of detailed excavations is planned over a five-year period for Yukgyetoseong Fortress in Paju, which is known to be a fortress from the early Baekje period. The division also compiles basic research data on ancient fortress, grave, residential, and production sites located within North Korea and the border zone.

The division supports and cooperates with the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) on policies related to archaeological heritage. It serves as the executing body for academic policy research projects by the CHA conducted in accordance with relevant legislation. It is also responsible for the supervision of safety at excavations and the evaluation and management of the quality of the subsequent reports. Moreover, it supports the operation of the Korean Archaeological Society’s annual conference and a summer excavation camp for undergraduates aimed at fostering future generations of experts for performing field surveys of buried heritage.

We actively conduct a geophysical exploration (GPR_ground penetrating radar, electrical resistivity, magnetic survey) of the burial sites of important cultural sites, acquire related data, and understand the underground structure by analyzing the acquired data. We use this information for excavation and cultural heritage maintenance plans.