Characterization of Surface Deterioration for Stone Property around the Hyeonleung (Royal Tomb of Joseon Dynasty) in Guri, Korea

A study of the Hyeonleung, a royal tomb from the Joseon Dynasty in Guri, Korea, reveals that surface deterioration is primarily driven by the weathering of biotite granite, with high levels of microbial activity and soil ingress contributing to damage. The research identifies soil (50.5%) and lichen growth (47.6%) as the main factors, while biological colonization, including lichens, is notably more pronounced on the northern face of the tomb structure. This characterization provides critical insights into the degradation processes affecting this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a basis for targeted conservation strategies.

Oh, J. H., Kim, S. D., Lee, C. H., & Lee, T. J. (2016). Characterization of Surface Deterioration for Stone Property around the Hyeonleung (Royal Tomb of Joseon Dynasty) in Guri, Korea. Journal of Conservation Science, 32(3), 353–364. https://doi.org/10.12654/jcs.2016.32.3.06