Publications
A Study on the Management Strategy of World Heritage Gyeongju Historic Area: Focusing on the Credibility of the World Heritage List
Gyeongju Historic Areas face significant threats to their World Heritage status, primarily from restoration practices lacking historical evidence, natural disasters, and overtourism. To mitigate these risks, the study proposes three key strategies: establishing standardized restoration guidelines, implementing preemptive disaster response systems, and fostering community engagement through awareness campaigns and participatory management plans. These measures aim to preserve the site's outstanding universal value while ensuring sustainable management. The research highlights the importance of credibility in maintaining World Heritage status, emphasizing the need for rigorous preservation practices and proactive threat mitigation.
A Study of Manufacturing Techniques based on Classification by Uses of Excavated Iron Objects from the Remains in Geumcheok-ri, Gyeongju
A study of iron objects from Geumcheok-ri, Gyeongju, reveals advanced metallurgical techniques used during the late 5th to early 6th centuries. The research found that iron was forged with varying carbon content and carburized post-forging to enhance strength, depending on the object's function. Selective steelmaking and heat treatment further improved mechanical properties. These techniques show consistency with those used in central Gyeongju and its outskirts, suggesting a unified approach to iron production during Silla's expansion. The study analyzed eight objects by their use, examining microstructure and non-metallic inclusions to classify manufacturing processes.
The Utilization and Policy Frameworks for Cultural Landscape Resources in Gyeongju’s East Coast
Gyeongju's East Coast, though historically and naturally rich, suffers from geographical inaccessibility and lacks the tourism appeal of its central historic district. This study identifies it as a valuable cultural landscape resource, advocating for inclusive development plans that address these disparities. By analyzing current utilization and policy frameworks, researchers propose strategies to overcome geographical weaknesses and foster balanced growth, ensuring the region's distinct attributes are preserved and promoted.
Ancient Palace Gardens of Korea: the water purification system of Wolji Pond, a world heritage site
Wolji Pond, part of the UNESCO-listed Gyeongju Historic Areas in Korea, showcases an advanced ancient water purification system that integrates four interconnected stages to ensure stable oxygen supply and efficient water circulation. The study reveals that its strategic design, featuring differently sized islands and a drainage system, demonstrates sophisticated knowledge of hydrodynamics and long-term maintenance considerations. A water quality survey and flow simulation further highlight the pond's uniquely effective approach to preventing stagnation and maintaining water quality. This ancient system offers valuable insights for modern landscape architecture, providing solutions to contemporary water quality challenges while reflecting both practical ingenuity and aesthetic sensibilities.
Occurrence of and countermeasure against Tidal wave in Joseon Dynasty
Tidal waves, including storm surges and tsunamis, significantly impacted the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910), particularly along Korea's southwest coastline, with peak occurrences during the rainy season (June–September). While storm surges had identifiable causes like typhoons and high tides, tidal waves were often attributed to divine punishment due to unclear mechanisms. These events caused widespread devastation—drowning victims, destroyed salt pans, flooded farmlands leading to salinity accumulation, starvation, and mass displacement—disrupting tax collection and economic stability. The Joseon government responded with relief efforts, tax exemptions for displaced populations, and long-term real-estate taxation of affected lands. Despite modern advancements, coastal regions like Gyeongju remain vulnerable to tsunamis, highlighting the need for improved preventive measures. This study synthesizes historical records to analyze tidal wave patterns, societal responses, and their lasting consequences.
Seismic Performance of Ancient Masonry Structures in Korea Rediscovered in 2016 M 5.8 Gyeongju Earthquake
Ancient masonry structures in Gyeongju, Korea, demonstrate remarkable seismic resilience, surviving numerous earthquakes for over 1300 years. A study analyzing the 2016 M 5.8 Gyeongju earthquake reveals that Cheomseongdae, an astronomical observatory, exhibits exceptional seismic performance due to its unique structural characteristics—such as well-compacted filler materials, rough interior walls, intersecting stone beams, and interlocking headstones. Dynamic centrifuge model tests confirmed these features contribute significantly to its stability, suggesting advanced seismic design technology in ancient Korean architecture. The research also systematically reviews seismic risk assessments of the Gyeongju Historic Areas, employing methodologies like GIS-based microzonation and subsoil engineering evaluations.
A Valuation of the Restoration of Hwangnyongsa Temple in South Korea
Restoring Hwangnyongsa Temple (HT), a historically significant site within South Korea's Gyeongju Historic Areas—designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—proves economically viable. A cost-benefit analysis reveals that the benefits of restoration, valued at KRW 415.3 billion (USD 366.9 million), significantly exceed its costs (KRW 232.2 billion, USD 205.1 million). This conclusion stems from a contingent valuation survey involving 1,000 households, which estimated an average annual willingness to pay of KRW 2,341 (USD 2.07) per household for the restoration project. The study underscores the potential economic and social profitability of preserving such cultural heritage sites.
A Study on the Commercial Streetscape Design Guideline of the Historic and Cultural Environmental Districts in Ancient Capital Gyeongju
A key insight from this study is the potential to enhance Gyeongju's identity through architectural harmony, blending contemporary commercial needs with historic elements. The research proposes a streetscape design guideline that emphasizes uniformity in diversity, suggesting traditional Korean tiled roofs for buildings with cultural significance and tripartition wall designs to maintain visual cohesion. To address congestion in the central commercial district, the study recommends simplifying the environment while preserving tradition. Additionally, it introduces four traditional cornice archetypes based on Korean eaves and advocates for signboards that break from square shapes, incorporating icons that reflect Gyeongju's historicity. The findings are derived from a condition investigation and landscape analysis of the area, aiming to create a balance between modern functionality and historical aesthetics.
A Study on the Landscape Attractions Evaluative Systems of Gyeongju Historic Heritage Sites
A comprehensive evaluative system for assessing the landscape attractions of Gyeongju Historic Areas has been developed. This system identifies 22 key indicators across three domains: historical and cultural, heritage resources, and urban environment. These indicators were selected based on expert surveys and rigorous statistical analysis, including importance, standard deviation, content validity ratio, agreement, and convergence metrics. The study highlights that these indicators can serve as a valuable tool for enhancing the city's historic charm and competitiveness, offering a structured approach to recognizing and improving Gyeongju's unique attributes.
A Study on Evaluation of the Ancient Historic District for the Preservation and Development of Ancient Capital - Focus on the Pilot Project Districts in Ancient Capital Gyoengju -
A comprehensive evaluation of Gyeongju's historic districts identified Daereungwon and Gyo-dong as the most valuable areas for preservation, with scores of 78.34 and 76.14 respectively. This study utilized the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to establish a value assessment system for ancient capital preservation, focusing on 10 pilot project districts in Gyeongju's 'Ancient Capital Preservation Plan.' The research proposed efficient preservation and development strategies tailored to each district type, building upon the revised 'Historic City Preservative and Development Law' of 2012. This approach aims to balance cultural heritage conservation with sustainable urban development.
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