Korea Heritage Service to open 15 restoration sites to public

▲ This map, provided by the Korea Heritage Service on April 22, 2026, shows the key cultural heritage restoration sites open to the public. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

SEOUL, April 22 (Yonhap) -- The Korea Heritage Service said Wednesday it will open 15 restoration sites of major state-designated cultural properties, including national treasures and treasures, to the public through the end of this year.

The program will allow visitors to observe preservation and restoration processes and hear explanations on traditional repair techniques.

▲ Temporary protective structure is installed at the restoration site of Donhwamun Gate at Changdeokgung Palace, in this photo provided by the Korea Heritage Service on April 22, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

At Donhwamun Gate, the main gate of Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul, restoration work will be open to visitors on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month starting in September.

Donhwamun is the oldest existing wooden main gate among Korea’s royal palaces. First built in 1412, it was destroyed during the Imjin War and rebuilt in 1609. The name reflects the idea of a king governing the people with virtue.

Following monitoring conducted between 2020 and 2022 that indicated the need for repairs, authorities decided to dismantle and restore some structural components of the upper and lower sections. A temporary protective structure has recently been installed.

▲ Restoration and maintenance work is underway at the Heungdeokjeon area of Deoksugung Palace last year, in this photo provided by the Korea Heritage Service on April 22, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

Restoration work will also be open at the Gaya Tumuli of Yugok-ri and Durak-ri, a UNESCO World Heritage site listed in 2023. Starting in May, visitors can observe maintenance work on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.

The site is considered representative of a Gaya political entity in the Unbong Plateau and provides insight into the western extent of the ancient Gaya confederacy. Artifacts reflecting indigenous, Gaya and Baekje characteristics have been unearthed there.

At Munmyo Shrine and Seonggyungwan Daeseongjeon, where restoration sites have been open since 2024, visitors can view the final stage of dancheong, or traditional decorative painting, work.

Those wishing to visit the sites must check schedules and locations with relevant local governments or heritage authorities and apply in advance.

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