Korea's worst wildfires prompt massive artifact relocation
27 cases of damage to cultural heritage tallied since last week
Over 1,000 cultural artifacts protected by the government have been moved as a precaution as South Korea races to contain its worst wildfires on record.
According to the Korea Heritage Service, 1,566 such items of historical importance have been taken out mostly from temples and old houses in the southeastern Gyeongsang provinces, where the blazes started last week.
Unmovable objects like pavilions and halls have been covered with flame-resistant cloth, according to officials at the agency in charge of cultural heritage affairs, who added that 44 such structures are being protected.
The agency has so far reported 27 cases of damage to cultural heritage, a tally that includes two state-designated treasures, as well as historical sites and monuments. State-designated National Treasures, given the highest government protections, have not been affected.
Officials are now concentrating manpower on safeguarding two UNESCO-listed sites in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province.
The 17th-century Confucian academy Byeongsanseowon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019, and Hahoe Village, which received the same recognition in 2010, have been under intense watch. No material damage has been reported, though authorities have evacuated people from the village, home to descendants of the Ryu clan of Pungsan, whose settlement there dates back to the 14th century.
Some 750 agency personnel have been deployed to historical sites across the country, an unprecedented measure that followed the agency's decision
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This occasion is further enriched by its coincidence with the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, a day designated by UNESCO to promote mutual understanding and respect among cultures, reinforcing our collective humanity. "Language, in all its forms, undeniably serves as the main repository of culture and the most authentic reflection of a community's identity. In celebrating the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language today, we honour a vital aspect of our rich human diversity, represented by the Arabic language, which carries a deep civilisational heritage and has had a significant scientific and humanistic impact." His Highness subsequently emphasised the contributions of the partner institutions that played a role in the creation of the dictionary. His Highness emphasised that all languages possess an equal right to exist and evolve, stating, "When we restore to Arabic its rightful history and highlight the aspects of its development, we simultaneously affirm to the world that every language is entitled to existence, progress and celebration, and that cultural justice demands that humanity not be reduced to a single tongue, nor the civilisations of peoples confined to one model. Just as biodiversity ensures the continuity of life, cultural and linguistic diversity secures the ongoing evolution and revitalisation of human creativity." He then conveyed his sincere appreciation to UNESCO for recognising the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language and for the collaborative cultural initiatives between Sharjah and the organisation: He wrapped up with a call for unity: "Let us move forward together, dear friends, hand in hand, to enhance our cultural dialogue, to protect our common human heritage, and to guarantee that every culture's voice is acknowledged, every language valued, and every people stay true to their genuine identity." At the ceremony, Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, presented a speech to welcome His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. She expressed her pleasure regarding the visit of the Sharjah delegation to Paris, acknowledging the emirate as a worldwide centre of knowledge and culture. Azoulay emphasised Sharjah's significant investments in diverse areas that align with UNESCO's mission, pointing out its achievement of multiple international cultural awards. 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