• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.24
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• pp.75-83
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• 2008

In order to assess antifungal activity of a wooden storage box, which was made of Paulownia tomentosa and used for keeping ancient documents, antifungal activity of volatile organic compounds emitted from the box was investigated along with qualitative analysis on major substances of the compounds. After collecting floating microorganisms inside air tester, the fungal activity was assessed by counting the number of colonies growing on TSA media. Compared to the control which collected 85 colonies from outdoor, 72 colonies were observed showing reduction rate of 14.82%. Through GC/MS and TDS system analysis, limonene was detected from the volatile organic compounds as characteristic features. When the fungal activity was assessed through fumigation by adding natural biocide BI and BII containing eugenol and anethole as major substances, both biocides showed a strong fungal activity with respectively 92.6%(inside the box) and 99.9%(outdoor) of reduction rate. Although these results didn't clarify antifungal activity of the volatile organic compounds emitted from the Paulownia-wood storage box and their functional components, it was at least confirmed that there is application possibility of natural biocide to use for preservation of ancient documents with increased efficiency in controlling pests of wooden storage boxes.

• Conservation Science in Museum
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• v.2
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• pp.9-17
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• 2000

This is a case study of conservation treatment of the textiles and costumes excavated from Soonchun Park's tomb in Eumsung, North Chungcheong province. When excavated, the objects were found fairly wet and badly smelled since they decayed in wooden coffin. They were wet-treated with deionized water to remove dirt and dried at room temperature, during which the objects were blocked and flattened to keep them in shape. Silk crepeline was under-layed and stitched to the damaged areas with silk-hair threads. Each costume was individually stored in a tray made of paulownia wood and flat textiles were rolled up in paper cylinders with 6 and 10 cm in diameter. Thymol was used to prevent microorganisms.

• Conservation Science in Museum
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• v.29
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• pp.47-64
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• 2023

Daehye Bogakseonsaseo (Letters of Master Bogak) in the possession of the National Museum of Korea is a Goryeo-era book produced in 1387, which was acquired in 2005 in a state of severe general damage. Subsequently, its production techniques and materials were examined using bibliographical characteristics and scientific analysis, based on which an overall conservation treatment was carried out. Janghwang(mounting) in bibliographical characteristics is a five-hole-stitch binding (五針眼線裝本), a single-lined rectangular box (四周單邊), and no column lines. The conservation treatment was examined in two aspects: the basic form and the conservation treatment process. The book is composed of the outer cover, original cover, end paper, and inner paper of 0.04-0.07mm thick, which is significantly thinner than general book paper. The conservation treatment was applied after the entire book was disassembled, based on the assessment that both the cover and the inner sheets of paper were in a dire condition due to deterioration. The conservation treatment comprised of the process of disassembly, cleaning, reinforcement of defective parts, scanning, and binding, with a paulownia box made for its storage. At the time of disassembly, samples were made for the inner sheets and the book string in order to conduct fiber identification. The fibers were identified using Safranin and C-stains. Safranin staining identified a thick fiber wall, in addition to cross-marking, dislocation, and transparent membranes. C-stain staining identified the fiber as mulberry, given the dark red residue. The book strap has a flat, circular cross-section, and was identified as cotton fiber, since a lumen was observed in the center.

• 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.