아차산 고구려유적의 보존 및 활용방안

Abstract

Ten years have passed since the excavation of Mt. Acha Boru Fortress No. 4 in 1997. In the following decade, six additional fortresses have been, or are in the process of being, excavated. The Goguryeo sites of Mt. Acha constitute the most intensively investigated and studied of Goguryeo remains in South Korea, and have made it possible to reconstruct the general nature of lived lives in this period. Although they may be limited in size, the boru fortresses are distinctive in that they have been excavated in their entirely; this is a rare occurrence for structures of this nature, not observed in either in North Korea or China. The majority of these boru fortresses, however, have experienced significant damage, due to the construction of hiking trails or exercise or military facilities. Long-term and comprehensive guidelines for the conservation and use of these sites concomitant to academic research are therefore urgently required. The need for governmental measures in preserving these sites has been brought up since the first season of excavation at Mt. Acha Boru Fortress No. 4, but no significant initiatives have taken place apart from the designation of these sites as a ‘Historic Site’ in 2004. Public opinion regarding China’s ‘Northeast Area Project’ has led Guri City and Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, to formulate and implement conservation guidelines, but given the importance of these sites, it may be argued that the central government must undertake more comprehensive measures. The primary guidelines for the conservation of the Mt. Acha Goguryo sites must address the use of these sites, and this should be guided by the results of the research undertaken by the academic community. These guidelines much also be comprehensive and systematic, incorporating a long-term perspective. One of the problems which has emerged in the late decade is the way in which the planning of excavations has been ad hoc in nature, rather than being carried out according to a pre-planned, long-term schedule incorporating clear research aims. In addition, although the need for conservation in itself may be an uncontested issue, conservation without consideration of future use will inevitably go against the public's right to enjoy their cultural heritage. In addition, the conservation of these sites will not be possible without their constant management. Indeed, given that Mt. Acha is an important recreational site which sees large numbers of visitors even on weekdays, it will not be feasible to conserve the Goguryo sites by limiting the public's access. Therefore, it is imperative that conservation guidelines are set out in association with specific initiatives for future use, such as 'The Development of Visitor's Trails for the Goguryo Sites'.