Wanju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage
- Research Activities
- 현재 위치Wanju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage
A Core Research Institution of Cultural Heritage in North Jeolla Province
The Wanju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage was established in July 2019 to pursue surveys of and research on cultural heritage in the Jeollabuk-do Province region and provide for the safeguarding and utilization of cultural heritage. It aims to domestically and internationally promote achievements of academic research, excavation surveys, and studies on the distribution of historic sites related to cultural heritage in Jeollabuk-do, including research on ancient cultural heritage. It focuses on the culture of the Mahan Confederacy and Three Kingdoms Period in the region and archaeological and architectural studies supporting the restoration of the region’s cultural heritage from the medieval and modern periods. Drawing upon all of this, it plans to remain dedicated to shedding new light on cultural heritage.
From the Mahan Confederacy to the Three Kingdoms Period: Revealing the Establishment and Characteristics of Ancient Cultures in the Jeollanbuk-do Province Region
Jeollabuk-do Province witnessed advancements in bronze and iron culture during the early Iron Age and the Proto-Three Kingdoms Period. The material culture of the Baekje and Silla kingdoms and the Gaya Confederacy coexisted in the region as well. To understand the establishment and characteristics of ancient cultures in Jeollabuk-do and to better define the identities of the ancient cultures in the region, the Wanju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage has been carrying out surveys and research on major historic sites dating to the Proto-Three Kingdoms Period through the Three Kingdoms Period in the area. Through these efforts, basic data for identifying the establishment and existence of ancient material cultures in Jeollabuk-do is being secured and related research is being promoted.
The Site of the First Catholic Martyrdom in Korea and the Sinhae Persecution: Excavation Survey of Chonami Shrine in Wanju
Chonami Shrine was erected at the birthplace of Yu Hang-geom, known as the “apostle of Jeollanam-do Province.” The area around this site was where the propagation of Catholicism began in Jeolla-do Province. The remains of Kwon Sang-yeon and Yun Ji-chung, the first Catholic martyrs in Korea, were also discovered here. The birthplace of Yu Hang-geom is expected to provide important material for the study of the structure of the houses and lifestyles of noble families in the Jeollanam-do region. It is also notable as a rare example of a known location where a pagajeotaek* was carried out. Currently, interdisciplinary scientific research is being conducted on the martyr’s remains and the white porcelain memorial bowls recovered from the grounds of Chonami Shrine.
Pagajeotaek : A strict punishment involving the demolition of the house of someone who has committed a crime against moral virtues, turning it into a pond.
Documentation of the Lives and Techniques of Woodworking Artisans Specializing in Modern and Contemporary Hanok (Korean Traditional Houses) Construction
Until now, technical research on wooden architecture has been focused on the study of techniques and styles centered on buildings. However, as the transmission of carpentry skills has shifted from apprenticeships to hanok schools and equipment has transitioned from hand tools to electric versions, there have arisen limitations on recreating traditional techniques. This became evident in the restoration of Sungnyemun Gate following an arson attack. Therefore, for the more complete safeguarding of traditional buildings, the Wanju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage aims to document, in the form of video and audio recordings, the lives, tools, timber trimming skills, and assembly techniques of carpenters who received a modern apprenticeship education. These records will be utilized in the restoration of carpentry techniques in the future.