National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage

Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage

Flourishing History and Culture of a Thousand-YearOld Ancient City Silla

The Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage originally began as two major task force teams for excavating the area around the tomb of King Michu in 1973 and historic remains around Gyeongju in 1975. Then in 1990, it was officially established as an institute that performs academic surveys and studies on cultural heritage. It takes charge of the full spectrum of tasks related to cultural heritage, such as the management of excavated artifacts, restoration and maintenance of historical sites, national and international joint research projects, and conservation of discovered artifacts. In particular, it concentrates on the in-depth excavation, survey, and study of cultural artifacts in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. It performs surveys and studies on artifacts from royal palaces, ancient tombs, and temples with the aim of promoting the restoration of Gyeongju, which was the capital of the Silla Kingdom for over one thousand years.

A Study on the Reconstruction of the Urban Structure of Silla’s Royal Capital

This project involves an analysis of ancient urban sites in the Silla Kingdom’s capital city and their spatial interrelationships based on comprehensive materials compiled and managed by the institute. The research is aimed at reconstructing Gyeongju’s urban structure and development from its early establishment to the peak of its expansion.

Academic Research on the Silla Tombs in the Jjoksaem Area

Academic research on the Silla tombs in the Jjoksaem area is aimed at further refining the characterization of Silla tomb culture. The distribution of Silla tombs within the Jjoksaem area (near the Daereungwon Tomb complex) has been under investigation since 2007. While excavations of the wooden chamber tombs and stone-mounded wooden chamber tombs have been conducted, results of related studies have been shared and utilized to systemically compile study materials about this major group of tombs in the Silla capital.

Comprehensive Research on Wolseong Palace, Gyeongju

The Comprehensive Research on Wolseong Palace, Gyeongju project is tasked with investigating the historical identity of and studying the restoration of Wolseong Palace in Gyeongju (Historical Site No. 16), a key effort in the restoration of the Silla Kingdom's royal palaces. Based on the results of long-term preliminary investigation and exploration, trial digging and excavation have been carried out at Wolseong Palace since December 2014. Based on the results of the research on Wolseong Palace, precise historical studies and convergent academic research will be conducted. It is expected that further in-depth studies will be performed, including analysis of the ancient landscape of Wolseong Palace, restoration of the surroundings, and definitive confirmation of dates of construction.

Academic Research on Silla Buddhist Temples

The Academic Research on Silla Buddhist Temples project aims to stimulate basic research on the layouts, changes, and living areas of Silla temples. Based on these studies, the institute intends to set the directions for future policies to support for the preservation and maintenance of temples. The results of temple research are expected to contribute to the expansion of the value of research in cooperation with local communities.