▲ Poster for the conference ⓒ National Palace Museum of KoreaThe National Palace Museum of Korea in Seoul is set to host an esteemed international conference next week focused on the restoration of damaged cultural heritage.

Titled “Damaged Cultural Heritage of the World: Its Restoration and Future,” the conference, organized by the state-run museum, will gather government officials and heritage experts from Korea, Japan, and France. Scheduled for Wednesday, the gathering aims to draw from the collective experiences of these nations in restoring and preserving cultural landmarks.

The discussion will commence with Korean officials revisiting the successful restoration of Sungnyemun, affectionately known as Namdaemun, a historic gate destroyed by fire in 2008. The meticulous restoration efforts spanned five years, reinstating this iconic landmark located between Seoul Station and Seoul Plaza.

Japanese experts will share insights into the restoration of Shuri Castle in Okinawa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site ravaged by fire in 2019, necessitating an extensive five-year restoration process.

Meanwhile, French cultural officials will present strategies for commemorating restoration endeavors, such as the establishment of dedicated museums for reconstructed cultural treasures. Notable among these efforts is the forthcoming reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in December 2024, following the devastating fire of April 2019. An exhibition currently underway at the National Palace Museum of Korea highlights the cathedral’s rich history, featuring collaborations with Histovery, a French startup specializing in augmented reality to enhance museum experiences through digital devices.

The conference underscores the importance of international collaboration in safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage, offering a platform for sharing best practices and innovative approaches in heritage restoration.

This article expands on the provided information, maintaining a formal tone and ensuring factual accuracy while elaborating on the upcoming conference at the National Palace Museum of Korea.

Sayart / Rachel Bae, sungmin.b.213@gmail.com