• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.41 no.8
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• pp.845-854
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• 2008

The old bridge of Woljeong-gyo, which has the fluvial history and culture, represents the ancient construction and civil engineering techniques. It is the oldest stone bridge in Korea and currently restored with its vicinities. In this study, the experimental model was used to analyze the hydraulic characteristics, the local pier-scour depth without scour protection, and the stability of riprap protection using the old grid type panels and stones for Woljeong-gyo of the study area. The water levels were increased around 30cm due to the restored bridge piers and foundations and the effects went up to 200m upstream. The maximum scour depth of 5.4m was measured and the scour protection tests were performed with the riprap size calculated using empirical equations and the existing scour protection range. The riprap of the existing scour protection in the upstream side was broken away, while the riprap of extended scour protection was very stable for the design flood condition of Woljeong-gyo area.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.494-504
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• 2020

Ten historic sites (denoted as A- J in this study) of a tomb were found during the construction of the east-west expressway in District 2 of Hyangnam, Hwaseong, which is implemented by the Gyeonggi-do headquarters of the Korea Land & Housing Corporation. Thetombswere first detected at siteH, and further investigations revealed various tombs from the Three Kingdoms period; artifacts such as gilt-bronze shoes and caps were excavated from wooden coffins in the tombs. The pottery examined in this study was the only pottery artifact excavated from the site. Its raw clay was soft and loose, reddish brown, and had quartz and feldspar particles of < 1 mm, which appeared to have been added as reinforcing agents. The firing temperature of the pottery was estimated to be under 800-870 ℃ as the mica remains and tridimite, which is the phase transition mineral of quartz, was not produced; a slight endothermic peak was also detected because of the hydration of sericite at 800 ℃. The condition of the artifact was severely weakened because of various factors, such as soil pressure from the stratum formed over the site and repeated freezing and thawing. The artifact could not be collected alone, and thus, surrounding soil that had attached to the artifact was also collected; the artifact was transported to the laboratory and conservation treatment was conducted in a safe and systematic manner.

• Conservation Science in Museum
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• v.27
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• pp.147-164
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• 2022

Over 200,000 Korean cultural heritage items are currently located abroad. They have made their way to 22 countries under different circumstances and with unique backgrounds. While some of them continue to contribute to promoting Korean culture around the world, others cannot be exhibited due to damage or poor condition. In view of these circumstances, the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation (OKCHF) has since 2013 provided museums and art galleries abroad with support for the conservation, restoration, and utilization of the Korean cultural heritage items that they house. As a part of these efforts and on the occasion of the 120th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between the Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Belgium in 2021, a gilt-bronze case for acupuncture needles dating to the Goryeo period (918-1392) from the collection of the Royal Museums of Art and History (RMAH), Belgium was brought to Korea for conservation treatment. The primary purpose of this conservation treatment was to restore the original form of the relic and slow to the degree possible the progress of corrosion. The conservation treatment of the gilt-bronze case followed the fundamental order of conservation treatment: removal of corrosive substances, stabilization, and reinforcement. Since this was the first case of restoring metallic cultural properties under the abovementioned support program by the OKCHF, special methodologies distinct from those available in overseas institutions were required. Diverse scientific methods (e.g., X-ray inspection, CT scanning, 3D microscopy) were applied to identify the metalcraft techniques used in the Goryeo period. The analysis found that several designs, including lotus and scrollwork, were exquisitely engraved on the surface of the case by making dots using a round-edged chisel. A bronze plate engraved with designs was rolled into a cylindrical form. The ends were overlapped by 2 to 3 centimeters and then attached to each other by silver soldering. The overlapping ends were welded flat with nearly no gaps. As the final process in the production, the case was lavishly gilt with gold powder using amalgam gilding. The conservation treatment of the gilt-bronze case for acupunctural needles in the RMAH collection restored the original form of the relic and arrested further corrosion. Above all, it revived the historic and academic value of the overseas Korean cultural heritage through scientific analysis.