Biological distribution and environmental monitoring for the conservation of Janggyeong panjeon Depositories and Daejanggyeongpan (Printing Woodblocks of the Tripitaka Koreana) of Haeinsa Temple in Korea

Abstract

Biological damage due to material characteristics and climatic change poses serious threats to wooden cultural heritage objects in Korea. This study is a preliminary survey for the preparation of a conservation/management plan for Janggyeongpanjeon (depositories of the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks), which is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, and Daejanggyeongpan (Printing woodblcoks of the Tripitaka Koreana), which is part of UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme. Over a period of two years, we monitored the distribution of insect and microbial species and the environmental condition in and around the Janggyeongpanjeon, including wood moisture content, and conducted relevant comparison and analysis. As a result, we compiled a list of species of wood-damaging organisms for the long-term conservation and management of the Janggyeongpanjeon (depository halls) and Daejanggyeongpan (woodblocks) and identified high-risk periods of biological damage for these wooden cultural heritage objects. The results of comprehensive analysis of the biological distribution and environmental condition demonstrated that conservation of the original form of the Janggyeongpanjeon and Daejanggyeongpan is based on a complex interplay of the material characteristics of the wood used, architectural features of the Janggyeongpanjeon enabling ventilation, and Daejanggyeongpan manufacturing technique.