Research on the Establishment and Enrichment of Korean Painting Heritage Data

Former Research Division of Artistic Heritage
PARK Yoonhee

“Research on the Establishment and Enrichment of Korean Painting Heritage Data” is a research initiated by the Research Division of Artistic Heritage in 2021. The aim of this project is to conduct scholarly research and preserve and promote the cultural heritage of paintings designated as national treasures and treasures. During its second year, the project made remarkable strides toward enhancing public service by creating digital content and establishing a digital platform. Here, we unveil the factors contributing to its rapid success.

Digital Transformation of Artistic Heritage

A crucial factor for success was the creation of a digital platform that showcases Korea’s traditional art heritage, aligned with the national “digital transfor- mation” initiative. For a long time, the public had limited access to the portraits and gwaebul, a large Buddhist hanging scroll, designated as national treasures(or treasures). As the platform’s online gallery features high-definition portraits and gwaebul images, viewers are now enabled to zoom in on the fine details of brush strokes and decorative patterns. Even the colossal-sized gwaebul, measuring over 10 meters, can be easily enjoyed from the comfort of one’s personal space. Moreover, the bubble explanations identify the figures in the painting to help public understanding. Meanwhile, the documented production record accompanying a gwaebul can be beneficial for researchers of Buddhist painting. Our high-definition image service offers a unique opportunity for people worldwide to engage with Korea’s invaluable artistic heritage in this modern digital age.

The Mural Paintings of Josadang Hall at Buseoksa Temple: Restoration Through Convergence Research

The digital restoration of the national treasure, Josadang Hall mural paintings of Buseoksa Temple, is a prime success story for our research project. In 2020, the NRICH Cultural Heritage Conservation Science Center initiated a project to conserve the murals. The project entailed the investigation of the authenticity of the icons and digital restoration of the original appearance of murals that suffered damage during the Japanese occupation of Korea. In order to facilitate the process, we procured photographs and replicas of the murals from a century ago. The Conservation Science Division collaborated in using the latest hyperspectral technology to restore faded or missing portions of the paintings. This effort culminated in the recreation of the murals to their original state, as they appeared a century ago. Additionally, precise measurements were taken to reinstate the murals on the walls of the 3D building model to their original placement. The outcome of the project was the creation of a virtual reality(VR) experience that offers visitors a glimpse of the murals in their authentic surroundings.

Notably, the VR rendition of Buseoksa Temple’s Josadang Hall mural paintings accurately captures the hall’s ambiance. This enables visitors to effortlessly access the site from anywhere, providing an immersive tour experience similar to being there in person. The project’s accomplishments, facilitated by cutting-edge digital technology, provide excellent case studies.

Process of digitally restoring the Josadang Hall mural paintings of Buseoksa Temple

Innovation of Cultural Heritage Public Service Through State-of-the-Art Digital Technology

The research has led to new and improved methods for providing public services. The temple murals and the grand- size gwaebul were often inaccessible to the public due to their isolated preservation from their original setting. However, through the use of an online gallery and immersive VR restoration service, they can now be experienced vividly.

Notably, the VR rendition of Buseoksa Temple’s Josadang Hall mural paintings accurately captures the hall’s ambiance. This enables visitors to effortlessly access the site from anywhere, providing an immersive tour experience similar to being there in person. The project’s accomplishments, facilitated by cutting-edge digital technology, provide excellent case studies.

The “Research on the Establishment and Enrichment of Korean Painting Heritage Data” highlights the importance of conserving cultural heritage, as embodied in the slogan, “Connecting Yesterday and Tomorrow,” of the Cultural Heritage Administration.