The National Institute of Cultural Heritage (NRICH, Director-General Ji Byongmok) under Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) published the first issue of the English magazine"NRICH" on November 30th to share the latest news on Korean culturalheritage research projects with overseas institutions and researchers.

NRICH is a national institution in charge of comprehensive research related to cultural heritage,and this year marks its 51st anniversary. For the past half-century, topreserve and utilize Korean cultural properties, it has undertaken projects atthe national level and is actively engaged in joint research and exchanges withvarious domestic and international organizations.

Compared to these domesticand overseas activities, there is a lack of media that promote cultural heritage research achievements abroad. "NRICH" was published in the form of an English magazine so that people around the world can access the newsmore quickly and easily.

"NRICH" showcases the significant research achievements in a column format along with photos so that non-professionals can easily understand. There are ten columns with sixmain articles on research projects that have produced remarkable achievementsin each field in the past ten years and topics that can raise interest incultural heritage.

The main articles include research on the following: the research of the Silla tumuli in the Jjoksaemdistrict in Gyeongju from 2007 to the present; the research on the restoration of the manufacturing technology of big jar coffins, which gives a glimpse intothe ancient society of the Yeongsan River basin; the results of joint research efforts with overseas institutions such as Mongolia and Kazakhstan; the results of comprehensive academic research on the Royal Tombs of Joseon, a World Heritage Site; the details of the restoration and maintenance of the Stone Pagoda at Mireuksaji in Iksan that lasted for 20 years; the conservation treatment of the Stupa of State Preceptor Jigwang from Bepcheonsa Temple Site,Wonju, National Treasure No. 101, which was carried out for five years. The articles are written by researchers responsible for each research project.

In addition, the magazine introduces the following topical columns: the excavation of Bihwa Gaya tombsthat were not looted where numerous jewelry were excavated which lead tosignificant interest from academia; scientific monitoring of cultural heritagein preparation for 'disasters,' which is an important issue around the world; scientific research on scenic sites of 'Bogildo Island Garden'; the characteristics of the gold thread used in traditional Korean costumes.

The National Institute of Cultural Heritage distributes "NRICH" free of charge to foreignembassies, cultural centers, and international organizations in Korea and majormuseums, research institutes, universities, and Korean cultural centers abroad.The magazine will be published online on the institute website(www.nrich.go.kr) for free public access.

The National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage of CHA plans to promptly and accurately share the latest research information in the field of cultural heritage by publishing twice a year in the first and second half of each year, starting with the first issue of "NRICH".

Attachment: The cover of “NRICH”.

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