Restoration Technology Division
- Research Activities
- 현재 위치Restoration Technology Division
The Restoration Technology Division is dedicated to developing technologies and materials in an effort to establish standardized methodologies and propose effective policies for the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage. The division plays a major role in the field of cultural heritage restoration in Korea by sharing research findings with interested institutes for a range of applications at the practical level.
Research on Traditional Pigment for Dancheong for Conservation & Restoration
This research aims to investigate the material and technical characteristics of traditional dancheong pigments used in the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage and evaluate its stability through weathering resistance research. It also aims to actively improve cultural heritage through research on raw material that can replace traditional pigments that need to be supplemented due to their vulnerability, detrimental effects on materials, and health hazards.
Research on Hanji (Traditional Korean paper) for Conservation and Restoration
This research aims to scientifically investigate the raw materials and manufacturing techniques of hanji (traditional Korean paper) for use in the repair and restoration of cultural heritage and establish quality standards for the paper. In addition, it aims to advance the diversification and globalization of hanji by improving its quality and manufacturing based on the traditional use of hanji.
Research on Improvement of the Quality of Limebased Mortar used in Traditional Construction Materials
The purpose of this study is to survey the conditions of lime-based mortar that has been used in the repair and restoration of architectural heritage and to identify the material properties and manufacturing technologies of historical mortar through scientific research. It also aims to ascertain means to improve mortar’s performance through research on different types of mortars based on mix ratios of aggregates, types of lime used, and additives, eventually improving the quality of mortars for repairing cultural heritage.
Study on Biological Damage Control
Due to climate change and the urbanizing environment, damage to wooden cultural heritage by biological factors such as termites has increased. Most of these biological threats are treated with chemical agents such as insect repellents and soil injections. However, only a few chemicals are being used because there are no standards for the evaluation and certification of chemicals applicable to cultural heritage. Therefore, research is being conducted to allow the application of a range of chemicals to cultural heritage by preparing standards for evaluation and certification procedures for chemical agents that can be used on cultural heritage. It also presents guidelines for proactive pest management by surveying biological damage and conditions at domestic major wooden cultural heritage.
Cultural Heritage Research on the Conservation Environment and Preventative Conservation
This research has been conducted to determine the influences of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light, air pollution, and microbial-related factors. In order to secure effective methods of conservation maintenance of cultural heritage, research materials such as conservation environment monitoring and analysis on microbial pollution levels at outdoor cultural heritage or conservation items have been prepared for use.
Cultural Heritage Research and Development of Conservation and Restoration Materials and Techniques
This project involves examining materials such as paper, ceramics, earthenware, metalwork, and adhesives, and techniques used in the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage. From 2006 to 2013, research and development were carried out on restoration techniques for beeswax-treated volumes of the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty. Pertinent restoration and conservation techniques for the damaged Annals were developed. Studies were conducted on the removal of pollutants from ceramics and earthenware from 2009 to 2011, resulting in the discovery of safe and efficient conservation and restoration methods. From 2010 to 2013, studies were undertaken on the corrosion of metal artifacts, including types and traits of recorrosion, and on solutions to stabilize metal and delay corrosion. Research on synthetic resins and natural adhesives, such as lacquer and animal and fish gelatins have been in progress since 2012 in an effort to evaluate and enhance the adhesive materials currently in use.