남북 문화유산 조사 현황과 공동조사를 위한 제언

Abstract

Three Inter-Korea summits and a North Korea-USA summit that were previously unexpected provide a basisfor an optimistic outlook for the future development of Korean archaeology. While Korean archaeology haswitnessed a great advance since the mid-20th century, it also exhibits significant weaknesses in explaining culturalchanges in prehistory and the early historical period in the Korean Peninsula due to the paucity of information onarchaeological evidence of North Korea. Recent development of favorable conditions for research and excavationsof North Korean cultural heritage could be a valuable opportunity for Korean archaeology to overcome the currentadversity. Especially, given the expected large-scale SOC industrial project in North Korea, we need to preparefor the systematic research and excavation of archaeological materials. The present essay attempts to provide asuggestion for the joint archaeological expeditions to excavate and manage cultural resources in North Korea basedon a critical review of previous salvage excavations in South Korea, such as those conducted before the constructionof the Korean rapid transit railway system (KTX). We suggest that professional archaeologists should be includedin the project and oversee the planning and design of road and railway constructions and other SOC projects inorder to minimize the cost of trial and error processes that were well exemplified by the KTX salvage excavations. The Korean Archaeological Society and North Korean Archaeological Society may organize a common associationthat will supervise joint archaeological expeditions. Importantly, The Korean Archaeological Society and otherrelated institutions should prepare to build an organization that conducts impending archaeological excavation inNorth Korea. While we likely face challenges and difficulties during the various stages of archaeological researchand excavations in North Korea, only through thorough and systematic preparation can we avoid the destruction ofvaluable cultural heritage and find an opportunity for the further development of Korean archaeology.