47 Cultural Heritage Sites In South Korea Experience Damage Due To Heavy Rain

One of the historical buildings in Bonghwa, North Gyeongsang Province, was affected by heavy rains. (Source: Cultural Heritage Administration)

JAKARTA - The South Korean government confirmed damage to national cultural heritage sites, due to heavy rains that flushed the country last month.

In addition to the 41 cases announced in advance, the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) said six national heritage sites had been damaged since the summer rainy season began on June 23.

The total 47 cases include one national treasure, one low-level treasure, one state-listed cultural heritage, seven natural monuments and 20 historical sites, reported by the Korea Times 1 August.

Berdasarkan wilayah, 18 di antaranya dilaporkan di Provinsi Gyeongsang Utara, tujuh di Provinsi Chungcheong Selatan dan Jeolla Selatan, lima di Provinsi Jeolla Utara dan masing-masing tiga di Provinsi Gangwon serta Chungcheong Utara.

Many of the latest reports of damage came from the "hanok" houses of the Joseon era (1392-1910) located in North Gyeongsang Province, one of the areas worst affected by heavy rains, according to CHA.

The Historic Manhoe House in Bonghwa, 183 kilometers southeast of Seoul, was damaged when a landslide occurred in the surrounding area, causing piles of soil to pile up under its walls.

The former residence of the late Joseon-era civilian official was designated as a national folklore cultural heritage site in 1984, because of its value in studying houses from that era.

Heavy rains also caused water leakage on the roofs of two other historic houses in the area, while the soil in other locations sank due to poor drainage systems.

In Yecheon, 161 km southeast of Seoul, the area around the Choganjeong pavilion lost part of the land due to heavy rains, with some damage to the stone fence tiles and bridge boundary fences.

A pine tree also fell in the city's Pinus Geumdang Forest, according to CHA. The forest is a natural monument, designated for its beautiful sight.