Yeongnak Ornaments and Clay Sculptures Excavated from Hoeamsa Site Illuminated Through Archaeology, Art History, and Science
An academic conference was held in Yangju examining yeongnak ornaments, clay sculptures, and stone structures excavated from the Hoeamsa site from the perspectives of archaeology, art history, and conservation science.
The Yangju Municipal Hoeamsa Site Museum and National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage held an academic conference on the 18th at the Yangju Municipal Hoeamsa Site Museum auditorium on the theme of 'Viewing Hoeamsa Through the Framework of Archaeology, Art History, and Science.' Approximately 200 participants, including researchers and citizens, gathered to share research results on relics and structures excavated from the Hoeamsa site.
In six thematic presentations on the day, topics included the materials and manufacturing techniques of yeongnak ornaments as well as their archaeological and art historical significance, along with the materials, manufacturing techniques, creation and disappearance processes of clay sculptures.
In the stone structure field, research estimating the material characteristics and stone quarry origins of the structures was introduced, and research examining the architectural changes of Hoeamsa through the structure of the site's foundations and the construction patterns of the central axis stone walls was also presented.
Between presentations, museum research staff provided exhibition commentary, allowing participants to examine actual excavated relics and verify the research content. In the comprehensive discussion, researchers from each field deliberated on the achievements and future tasks of Hoeamsa site research based on material analysis, manufacturing techniques, artifact styles and characteristics, and structural construction patterns.
The presentation contents from this academic conference are scheduled to be published as a comprehensive research series incorporating opinions presented in the comprehensive discussion.
A special exhibition 'Yeongnak Ornaments Unfailing' linked with the academic conference also opened on the same day. The exhibition, centered on yeongnak ornaments excavated from the Hoeamsa site and introducing related research achievements, will run through December 31 at the Yangju Municipal Hoeamsa Site Museum.
Yangju Mayor Jeong Deok-young said, "This was an opportunity to examine relics and structures excavated from the Hoeamsa site from the perspectives of archaeology, art history, and science together, newly illuminating the history and value contained within them. As research achievements from the academic conference are shared with citizens and visitors through the special exhibition, I hope this becomes an opportunity to publicize the historical significance of the Hoeamsa site." He added, "Yangju City plans to continue surveying and researching relics and structures from the Hoeamsa site and accumulate research achievements through academic events to strengthen the academic foundation for pursuing UNESCO World Heritage inscription."