18 Cases of Heritage Damage Reported Due to Heavy Rains

18 Cases of Heritage Damage Reported Due to Heavy Rains: Travel / 연합뉴스 / 2025-07-22 16:42:01

▲ In Haman County, a section of the soil embankment collapsed within the designated area of the Malisan Ancient Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site as of 2023, as shown in this photo provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS). (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, July 22 (Yonhap) -- A series of torrential downpours that have swept across South Korea since July 16 have caused increasing damage to national heritage sites, including ancient royal tombs from the Silla and Gaya periods, authorities said Tuesday.

According to the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA), a total of 18 cases of national heritage damage have been confirmed as of July 22, up by four from the previous day's count of 14.

Among the newly reported cases, two occurred in North Gyeongsang Province, while South Gyeongsang and South Jeolla provinces each reported one case.

At the Namsan Tapgol Rock-carved Buddha Statues in Gyeongju — a site believed to have been created during the Unified Silla period and designated as a Treasure — a tree was felled by heavy rain, damaging part of the protective fence. Local authorities have since restricted access to the site and are in the process of clearing the area.

At the Royal Tomb of Queen Jindeok — who reigned from 647 to 654 during the Silla Dynasty — some of the protective stones surrounding the mound were dislodged. Temporary repairs are underway, and the CHA continues to monitor the site.

In Haman County, a section of the soil embankment collapsed within the designated area of the Malisan Ancient Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site as of 2023. Protective coverings have been installed to prevent further damage. The Malisan tomb complex houses the royal and noble graves of the ancient Ara Gaya kingdom.

In another case, a section of a traditional stone wall in Naechon Village on Bigeum Island, Shinan County, South Jeolla Province, collapsed due to the rain. The wall, standing 1.5 meters high and extending five meters in length, is registered as a National Cultural Heritage.

“The damaged stones have been relocated,” a CHA official said. “Repairs will be carried out in early August by the local cultural heritage care center.”