Myongji University Professors Appointed to Lead National Heritage Committee Panels

Two architecture professors from Myongji University have joined South Korea’s first National Heritage Committee, taking roles in the body responsible for major decisions on the country’s cultural heritage.

Kim Wang-jik, who specializes in traditional architecture, was appointed chair of the committee’s Folk Cultural Heritage Subcommittee. Kim Young-min, an architecture professor, was appointed to the Modern and Contemporary Cultural Heritage Subcommittee.

The National Heritage Committee was launched in May under the Korea Heritage Service. It reviews the designation and removal of nationally designated or registered heritage, changes to heritage sites, protection of historic and cultural environments, excavation of buried heritage and World Heritage listings.

Myongji University said the two professors would draw on their academic expertise and practical experience as they take part in policy decisions and reviews. The university’s College of Architecture has built experience in traditional architecture and modern and contemporary building structures, and said the appointments would expand its contribution to national heritage policy.