Asia Cooperation Program On Conservation Science (ACPCS)

National Research Institute Of Cultural Heritage (NRICH)

Comparative Study on the Cultural Heritage

(Special Reference to Architectural Design of Ancient Monument
(Wooden Buildings) in Myanmar and Korea

MYO SANDAR OO
Assistant Director (Engineer)
Department of Archaeology and National Museum
Ministry of Religious Affair and Culture
Myanmar

June 2018
 Acknowledgement
I would like to express my appreciation to Director General, Directors and the programmer
of Asia Corporation program on Conservation Science (ACPCS), under government of
National Research Institute and Cultural Heritage for kindly invitation and sharing
knowledge to me. I also many thanks to Dr. Sang Sun Jo (Senior Researcher) and my
research mentor, Ms Sehyum Kim,(Senior Researcher) of Safety and Disaster Prevention
Division for their guidance and sharing knowledge to emerge this report.

My appreciated thankful also goes to member of ACPCS Team, Ms. Hong Young Ju, Ms.
Lee Bonnie, Ms. Choi T. J and Ms. Suree Moon who very warmly welcome to me and
other participants during this program. They have made the possibility available for my
stay and help for all conditions during these three months.

My sincerely thanks go to the all members of Safety and Disaster Prevention Division for
their helps. And people who are sharing many knowledge to our ACPCS participants.

My appreciated thankfulness goes to Director General of Myanmar (Department of

Archaeology and National Museum) for allowing attending this program and sharing
knowledge to me. I also many thanks to my former director Mr. Wai Lwin (National
Consultant, Myanmar),and Mr. Min Min (Assistant Engineer, Department of Archaeology
and National Museum, Mandalay Branch) for their ideas and concepts of analysis on
composition and conservation of wooden monasteries .

Last, I would like to thank all my colleagues and friends in Myanmar and Korea who
helped me conduct this report my research.

Myo Sandar Oo

Assistant Director (Engineer)

Department of Archaeology and National Museum

Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, Myanmar

1
 Introduction
Among the diverse elements that characterize Myanmar’s architectural culture, wooden
buildings have neither been surveyed /studied in full measure as of yet, nor have they been
sufficiently evaluated or given protection as cultural properties. Korea possesses an
accumulation of expertise in the conservation and repair of wooden buildings. It is no
doubt that the ACPCS program is very useful for the significant traditional architectural
values between Myanmar and Korea. National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage
(NRICH) is a good opportunity for my study. I would like to research the “Comparative
study on the Cultural Heritage (Special Reference to Architectural Design of Ancient
Monuments (Wooden Buildings) in Myanmar and Korea.
Myanmar Buddhist Wooden Monasteries

Myanmar has long history and a diverse culture and abundance of archaeological
sites. Myanmar prehistoric sites and stone tools were found throughout Myanmar. Pyu
ancient cities and Mon kingdoms were found and flourished from 1st-9th century C.A.D,
Early Bagan and Bagan Empire 9th-13th C.A.D, small kingdoms, Ava, Hanthawaddy, Shan
States, Arakan 14th-17th C.A.D, Taungu Dynasty 16th-17th C.A.D and Konbaung Dynasty
18th-19th C.A.D can be observed in Myanmar history.
In the period of the Konbaung dynasty (1752 –1885) left examples of different
traditional wooden buildings. Zayats, tazaungs, pyathats, monasteries (pongyikyaung),
royal palaces (nandaw) all these buildings are represented in various differing from each
other both in volumetric composition and in type of decoration. Monasteries play a vital
role in Myanmar Architecture. Numerous wooden monasteries remain particularity along
the Ayeyarwady River from Mandalay to southern Bagan. These "Wooden Monasteries of
Konbaung Period" have been included in the Tentative List which Myanmar submitted to
the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in 4th October 1996.
Korea Buddhist Wooden Temples
The Republic of Korea is a developed country in East Asia. The Lower Paleolithic
era in the Korean Peninsula began roughly half a million years ago. The earliest known
Korean pottery dates to around 8000 BC, and the Neolithic period began after 6000 BC,
followed by the Bronze Age by 800 BC, and the Iron Age around 400 BC. From the 1st

2
century, Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla grew to control the peninsula and Manchuria as the
Three Kingdoms of Korea (57 BC – 668 AD), until unification by Silla in 676. In 698, Dae
Jo-yeonge stablished Balhae in old territories of Goguryeo , which led to the North South
Period(698–926). In the late 9th century, Silla was divided into the Later Three Kingdoms
(892–936), which ended with the unification by Wang Geon's Goryeo dynasty (918-
1392).During the Goryeo period, laws were codified, a civil service system was introduced,
and culture influenced by Buddhism flourished.

Koreans built with various architecture materials and techniques during the Three
Kingdoms period. Although stone and brick were increasingly being used, wood was still
the most popular construction material. Wood construction advanced significantly during
this time as Koreans continued to adopt Chinese methods and skill, especially for Buddhist
temple construction,into their indigenous architectural traditions. There have been
Buddhist temples in the mountains of the Korean Peninsula for practicing religious faith
and spirituality since the 4th century CE. Among the Buddhist temples, the seven mountain
temples were registered on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List under the name of
"Traditional Buddhist Mountain Temples of Korea” in 12th December 2013.

In this paper, According to these UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative Lists, I

would like to mention of Shwe-In-Bin wooden Monastery (Mandalay),Shwenandaw
Kyaung wooden monastery (Mandalay) and Bagaya Wooden Monastery (Innwa) from
Myanmar. Among the Traditional Buddhist Mountain Temples in Korea , I emphasized of
three wooden temples in Geungnakjeon Hall of Bongjeongsa Temple(Andong-
si,Gyeongsangbuk-do Provice),Muryangsujeon Hall of Buseoksa Temple (Yeongju-
si,Gyeongsangbuk-do Provice) and Daegwangbojeon Hall of Magoksa Temple (Gongjusu,
Chungcheongam-do Province) .

3
 Contents

Acknowledgement
Introduction
1. History and Architecture Design of Wooden Buildings (Monasteries) in Myanmar 5
1.1 Shwe-In-Bin wooden Monastery (Mandalay) 5-6
1.2 Shwenandaw Kyaung wooden monastery (Mandalay) 6-7
1.3 Bagaya Wooden Monastery (Innwa) 7-8
2. Structural System of Traditional Wooden Monastery in Myanmar 9-10
3. Analysis on Conservation of Traditional Wooden Buildings in Myanmar
3.1 Major Laws Concerning the Preservation of Cultural Heritage 10
3.2 Organization Responsible for Preservation 11
3.3The general conditions of the monasteries before conservation 11-12
3.4 Process of conservation work carried out 12-13
4. History and Architecture Design of Wooden Buildings (Temples) in Korea
4.1Geungnakjeon Hall of Bongjeongsa Temple 13-14
(Andong-si,Gyeongsangbuk-do Provice)
4.2 Muryangsujeon Hall of Buseoksa Temple 14-15
( Yeongju-si,Gyeongsangbuk-do Provice)
4.3Daegwangbojeon Hall of Magoksa Temple 15-16
(Gongjusu, Chungcheongam-do Province)
5. Structural Systems of Traditional Wooden Temples in Korea 16-17
6. Analysis on Preservation and Conservation of Traditional Wooden
Buildings (temples) in Korea
6.1 Major Laws Concerning the Preservation of Cultural Heritage 17
6.2 Organization Responsible for Preservation 18
6.3 General conditions of the Temples before Conservation 18
6.4 Process of conservation work carried out and monitoring system 18-19
6.5 Others 19-22
7. Conclusion 23-24
Bibliography

4
1. History and Architecture Design of Wooden Buildings (Monasteries) in Myanmar
1.1 Shwe-In-Bin Wooden Monastery, (Mandalay)
The Shwe-In-Bin monastery was built in 1895 by a wealthy Chinese merchant U
Set Shwin and his wife Daw Bwa. Although constructed a decade after British
annexation, the monastery is remarkable for its classic proportions and its elaborate well-
preserved relief-carvings of scenes from Myanmar and Buddhist folklore. It is a unique
quality master piece of architectural excellence in Forms, Functions and Space.
This monastery is built on a nearly 2m high platform and supported by a total
of 167 sturdy oiled teak pillars. It is dominated in the east by a seven-tiered,9 by 9m
cruciform-shaped image room (Pyathat-Hsaung) with projecting gables in three
directions. Light enters this room through small porthole windows which are also the
focus for the diagonally arragned planking comprising the walls of the pyathat spire. This
apartment adjoins an approximately 14m by 5m ,tiered ein-daw roofed former chief
monk’s room (Sanu Hsaung).The largest apartment, the reception hall (Hsaung-Ma-
Gyi)over 32m long, which is marked externally by a series of three classic (Zei-Ta-
Wun)roofs is divided into two parts by a partition wall. The western section of the
reception hall which serves as a dormitory for monks is connected to the store room
(Bawga-Hsaung) by an interesting architectural feature in the form of a covered arched
hallway or kon-hsaung surmounted by a small tiered roof. Store room is marked
externally by three triple (Zei-Ta-Wun) roofs which are lower than those of the (Sanu-
Hsaung) to the east but higher than those of the covered (Kon-Saung hall) way to the
west. A total of eight masonary staircases, three on both the north and south sides and a
further one each at the east and west ends.

Fig. 1 Ground Floor Plan Fig. 2 East Elevation

5
 Fig. 4 Shwe-In-Bin Monastery
Fig. 3 South Elevation

1.2 Shwe -Nan -Taw -Kyaung Wooden Monastery, Mandalay

Shwenandaw Monastery "Golden Palace Monastery"is a historic Buddhist
monastery located near Mandalay Hill, Mandalay Region. Shwenandaw Monastery was
built in 1878 by King Thibaw Min This building reconstruction was finished in 31 Oct
1878.The building was heavily gilt with gold and adorned with glass mosaic work.The
monastery is known for its teak carvings of Buddhist myths, which adorn its walls and
roofs.
The Shwenandaw Monastery was built with 150 gigantic teak wood posts and
has five ‘mango’ volutes masonry staircases, one of which are located on the east side
while the remaining four have been equal situated on the eastern and southern sides.
Large teak pillars inside the building support the roof. There is still some gold plating
inside the monastery; once the structure was completely gilded and decorated with glass
mosaics.Some of the best preserved panels are inside the building, sheltered from weather
and sunlight. Among them are a number of carved panels depicting scenes from the
Jataka tales, the tales about the previous lives of the Buddha.

Fig.5 Ground Floor Plan Fig. 6 West Elevation

6
 Fig. 7 South Elevation Fig. 8 Shwe -Nan -Taw -KyaKyaung

1.3 Bagaya Wooden Monastery (Innwa)

The Bagaya Monastery located in Inwa, Mandalay Region, and first built in 1593.
A great fire broke out on 15 April 1821, some parts of the Bagaya Monastery, were burnt
in the fire. Reconstruct in 1992 and built the new brick building in the place of the old
monastery for the use of Buddha image and Pitaka scriptures.
The Bagaya Monastery was built with 267 gigantic teak wood posts, has a
structure of great dimensions: 57 m x31m in length and width. The largest teak post is 18m
high and nearly 3m in circumference. Access to the 2 meter-high platform is via 5 ‘mango’
volutes masonry staircases, 3 of which are located on the north side while the remaining 2
have been situated on the eastern and southern sides. The cruciform-shaped shrine room at
the eastern end is in the form of an open-sided pavilion and is marked externally by a
gabled pyathat spire. The section that follows is a plain, unpretentious apartment covered
by a single style of roof which is dwarfed by the large towering apartment of the triple-
tiered roofed reception hall (hsaung-ma-gyi). There is no separate apartment for a
storeroom. The monastery is decorated with splendid Myanmar architectural works such as
carvings, floral arabesques, the ornamentation with curved figurines and the reliefs of birds
and animals as well as small pillars decorated on the wall, the artistic works of Inwa Era.

Fig. 9 Ground Floor Plan Fig. 10 West elevation

7
 Fig. 11 South Elevation Fig. 12 Bagaya Wooden Monastery

2. Structural Systems of Traditional Wooden Buildings in Myanmar

We can understand the significant feature of Buddhist monasteries such as;

 Widely used by teakwood
 Crowned by tiered roofing systems
 Wooden platform
 Raised/supported by teakwood pillars/posts
 Carved wooden multi figures
Myanmar wooden monastery is as a rule, symmetrical along the East –West axis. Its
floor is elevated about 2.5  3m above the ground. Wooden monastery composes four
main parts, Pyatthat -Hsaung, Sanu -Hsaung, Marabhin-Hsaung and Bawga-Hsaung.
Every part is covered with separate roof.

8
 Fig. 13 Composition of Myanmar Wooden Monastery

3. Analysis on preservation and conservation of traditional Wooden Buildings in

Myanmar
3.1. Major Laws Concerning the Preservation of Cultural Heritage
In Myanmar, the Ministry of Religious Affair and Culture has laid down its
policy and its vision for the preservation and protection measure for the ancient
cultural heritage sites, ancient cities and artifacts. Among its preservation measure,
enacting laws and acts for preservation, education, conservation methods, etc are
taken into action. The following Acts and Law have been enacted;-
(a)(1957) Antiquities Act
(b)(1998)The Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage Region
Law

9
3.2 Organization Responsible for Preservation
In Myanmar, the government organization responsible for the preservation,
restoration and conservation of culture heritage monuments is the Department of
Archaeology and National Museum. Preservation and safeguarding the cultural
heritage of the nation is main goal of the Ministry of Religious Affair and Culture.
The Ministry of Religious Affair and Culture ,other related Ministries, regional
authorities and non-profit social organization and association (including monks) are
working in close collaboration for the preservation and safeguarding of Tangible
and Intangible cultural heritage.
3.3 The general conditions of the monasteries before conservation
In upper Myanmar have over 50 ancient wooden monasteries.Among them
most of the monasteries have been preserved by Department of Archaeology and
National Museum in line with budgetary considerations. Shwe-In-Bin monastery
that was annually preserved from 100 year ago. Shwenandaw wooden monastery
was mainly conserved by Department of Archaeology and National Museum in
1995 and it now on going conservation project with World Monument Fun (WMF)
from 2014.Bagayar wooden monasteries was recently conserved by our department
in 2000 and according to safeguarding cultural heritage program , it was surveys
recording the state of damage and technical specification of the building,
cooperatived with National Research Institute for Culture Properties( Tokyo) from
( 2012-2015).
Myanmar is in the tropical zone, and the climate is hot and humidity is high all
year, especially in the rainy season. According to our traditional building methods,
all of the monasteries were built by digging holes pillars. Thus, the parts of the
wood pillars in the ground were ruined several years later. Following this, the upper
part of the monastery leaned in different directions and eventually collapsed into a
heap of wood. The general conditions of the monasteries before conservation are as
follows;
 Rainwater leaks through drains, windows and roofs so that some parts are badly
deteriorated.

10
  During the rainy season there is water accumulation around the monastery that
whole year round, and therefore some supporting pillars under the monastery
sink and are fragile.
 Due to water accumulation another problems is that the whole buildings is
leaning approximately 5~20 degrees towards the one side and in different
directions so that it is dangerous for the who live there.
 The sculptures and carvings outside are decayed and eroded due to prolonged
exposure to weather.
3.4 Process of conservation work carried out
Before starting the conservation works, photographic record was taken from
each and every corner. The process of conservation work was carried out as follow:
 First, the water accumulation under around the monastery was pumped out by
using a water pump.
 Each of the pillars was dugout at the foundation in a square shape.
 Some portions of the structure such as a projecting corrugated iron sheet roof at
the side of the monastery, roofs of the main structures, and side windows etc.
were dismantled temporarily in order to reduce the heavy weight of the whole
structure as far as possible.
 Then the whole was pulled back and straightened upright by workers and then
supported with long wooden posts from the side that was leaning.
 When the whole structure was straighter up vertically all the basement of the
Pillars were filled up with reinforced cement concrete in an octagonal shape in
order to reinforce the whole structure.
 The ground level under and surrounding area of the monastery was positioned
slightly higher by elevating the base with soil and constructing a slope so that
water is not allowed to stagnate around the base again.
 Some decayed wooden pillars, floor planks and iron sheet roofs were removed
and replaced with new ones.
 Portions temporarily dismantled were replaced.

11
 All the missing portions of the brick staircase were repaired to get the original
shape and design.
 All the pillars and exposed parts of the building were applied with thick crude
oil in order to protect them from the effects of weather.
 All the zinc sheets were applied with red oxide external pain in order to protect
them from rainwater.

Fig. 14 before Conservation

Fig. 15 during Conservation

Fig. 16 after Conservation

12
4. History and Architecture Design of Wooden Buildings (Temples) in Korea
4.1Geungnakjeon Hall of Bongjeongsa Temple (Andong-si,Gyeongsangbuk-do
Provice)
Bongjeongsa is on the slopes of Mount Cheondeung in Andong city, North
Gyeongsang Province. It is a subsidiary temple of Gounsa, the head temple of the 16th
branch of Jogye Order.At 1,650 m²/17,760 ft², Bongjeongsa is the largest temple in
Andong, and is the site of the oldest wooden building, Geuknakjeon, in Korea.There
are 10 buildings at the main temple and a total of 9 other buildings at Bongjeongsa's
two sub temples found to the east and west of the main temple complex.
Architecture Style of Geungnakjeon Hall of Bongjeongsa Temple
Geungnakjeon Hall (Daejangjeon)( National Treasure #15) is the main hall of
Bongjeongsa Temple, which is said to have been built at the foot of Cheondeungsan
Mountain by the Buddhist monk Uisang during the reign of King Sinmun of Unified
Silla.However, a sangnyangmun (message concerning a ridge beam raising ceremony)
discovered during its reconstruction in 1972 states that the roof of this hall was
repaired in 1363 (the 12th year of the reign of King Gongmin of the Goryeo
Dynasty).Based on this record, the hall appears to have been built in the early 1200s,
as the roofs of traditional Korean structures were usually repaired some 100-150 years
after their construction, and is thus presumed to be the oldest wooden building in
Korea.The hall measures three kan at the front and four kan at the sides, and has a
gabled roof supported by column brackets. It has a door in the front middle
compartment and windows on both sides. The interior of the hall, in which the
Buddhist statue is placed, is decorated with an ornamental canopy, while the Buddhist
altar is carved with a scroll design. Though built during the Goryeo Period, the hall
displays the influence of the architectural style of the early Unified Silla Period.

Fig. 17 Floor Plan Fig. 18 Section View

13
 Fig. 19 Front Elevation Fig. 20 1Geungnakjeon Hall of Bongjeongsa Temple

4.2 Muryangsujeon Hall of Buseoksa Temple (Yeongju-si,Gyeongsangbuk-do

Provice)
Buddhist monk Uisang in 676 (the 16th year of the reign of King Munmu of the
Silla Dynasty) by royal order. According to Samguk yusa(Memorabilia of the Three
Kingdoms), a woman who adored Uisang was transformed into a dragon and followed
him to this area upon his return form a period of study in the Tang Dynasty. Then she
defeated a band of thieves hiding out in this area before resting behind Muryangsujeon
Hall.
Architecture Style of Muryangsujeon Hall of Buseoksa Temple
Muryangsujeon Hall ( National Treasure #18) was built as the main prayer hall of
Buseoksa Temple, and now houses a statue of Amitabha Buddha.It was originally built
during the reign of King Munmu (r.661-681) of Silla, and was rebuilt in the reign of King
Hyeonjong (r.1009-1031) of the Goryeo Dynasty. Unfortunately, the hall was burnt down
in 1358 (the 7th year of King Gongmin’s reign), but was reconstructed in 1376 (the 2nd
year of King U’s reign), and then embellished with a multi-colored decorative painting
during the reign of King Gwanghaegun (r.1608-1623) of the Joseon Dynasty.An
Amitabha Buddha is enshrined on the western wall of the hall, unlike other Buddhist
temples in which Buddhist statues are usually placed at the center of the main hall
Muryangsujeon Hall is the second oldest wooden building in Korea. This hall is
regarded as a standard structure for students of the structure and formality of traditional
Buddhist architecture in Korea.

14
 Fig. 21 Floor Plan Fig. 22 Section

Fig. 23 Front Elevation Fig. 24 Muryangsujeon Hall of Buseoksa Temple

4.3Daegwangbojeon Hall of Magoksa Temple (Gongjusu, Chungcheongam-do

Province)
Magoksa Temple is located at 567, Unam-ri, Sagok-myeon, Gongju-si,
Chungcheongnam-do Province; Magoksa is composed of 20 buildings and 3 affiliate
temples. Magoksa is separated into the southern and northern quarters by the stream
flowing through the temple.Magoksa Temple was built in 640 by Buddhist Monk Jajiang
Yulsa,. It was renovated by State Preceptor Bojo in 1172. The Buddhist Monk Gaksun
reconstructed Daeungjeon Hall, Yeongsanjeon Hall and Daejeokgwangjeon Hall in 1651.
Architecture Style of Daegwangbojeon Hall of Magoksa Temple
Daegwangbojeon Hall ( National Treasure #802), the main Buddha Hall of
Magoksa Temple, is situated with Haetalmun Gate and Cheonwangmun Gate in a row
and enshrined with a Vairocana Buddha, the Buddha of Enlightenment. It is composed
of 5-kan front space and 3-kan side space. It has a hip and gable roof .The gongpo which
supports the eaves of the roof on pillars is set up not only on the pillars but also between
them. This building style is dapo style. They set up three pairs of doors in the five front
partitions, its ribs of a lattice door was decorated with the patterns of flowers. And they

15
 engraved the head of dragon on the pillar of center partition. The ceiling is decorated

with patterns of the Chinese character 井 (jeong).They prepared the Buddhist altar in the

west and installed datjib (a canopy) above the altar, which makes the Buddhist statue
more dignified. For its structure, its elaborate decorations, and its architectural style, the
hall is regarded as a uniquely important cultural asset for the study of architectural
history of late Joseon.

Fig. 25 Floor Plan Fig. 26 Section

Fig. 27 Front Elevation Fig. 28 Daegwangbojeon Hall of Magoksa Temple

5. Structural Systems of Traditional Wooden Buildings (temples) in Korea
Korea temples can also be divided into areas according the specific functions of
the buildings. There are buildings housing the Buddha or bodhisattvas, lecture halls to
learn the Buddhist scripts and doctrines, and living areas for the monks and the
worshippers. The temples house the tangible and intangible aspects of Buddhism and
function as comprehensive ascetic facilities. Respecting the Buddha, conducting rituals,
chanting the sutras, and meditating all takes place within the temples.

16
 The mountain temples of Magoksa, Bongjeongsa and Buseoksa were all
established during the Three Kingdoms period, but were standardized in their layout
and forms after the mid-Joseon Dynasty. These temples show the essence of Korean
mountain temples with their diverse axes and their harmony with the surrounding
valleys, also continuing on with their comprehensive functions of a religious facility.

Fig. 29 Liner Composition of Bongjeongsa Temple

6. Analysis on preservation and conservation of Traditional Wooden Buildings

(Temples) in Korea
6.1 Major Laws Concerning the Preservation of Cultural Heritage
In Korea, Cultural Heritage Administration has laid down its policy and its vision
for the preservation and protection measure for the ancient cultural heritage sites,
ancient cities and artifacts. Among its preservation measure, enacting laws and acts for
preservation, education, of buried methods, etc are taken into action. The following
Acts and Law have been enacted;-
 (1962) Cultural Heritage Protection Act
 ( 2004) Special Act on the Preservation and Promotion of Ancient Cities
 (2010) Act on Protection and Inspection of Buried Cultural Heritage
 (2010) Act on Repair of Cultural Heritage
 ( 2015) Act on the Safeguarding and Promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage

17
6.2 Organization Responsible for Preservation
In Korea, Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) manages important cultural
properties. The State-designated Cultural Heritage such as National Treasures and
Treasures are directly managed by CHA, and in the case of City/Province-designated
Cultural Heritage, CHA supports local governments for their management. The National
Palace Museum of Korea and National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage
are also under the control of CHA. Through the National Research Institute of Cultural
Heritage, CHA conducts a variety of research and investigation for scientific conservation
and the management of cultural properties. The Korean National University of Cultural
Heritage, a national university specialized in cultural heritage, was also established and run
by CHA.
6.3 General Conditions of the Temples before Conservation
In Korea, have 966 traditional wooden temples. Among them , State-designated
Cultural Heritage, National Treasure and Treasures (95) temples are directly managed by
Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA).The Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) is
mainly repaired at Geungnakjeon Hall of Bongjeongsa Temple in (2001~2003), and
Daegwangbojeon Hall of Magoksa Temple in (1998~2000).Muryangsujeon Hall of
Buseoksa Temple was mainly repaired in (1930s) by Japanese Colonial Government.
Korea is a peninsula surrounded by three seas and 80% of it covered by mountains
and forests. By the passage of time, these cultural heritage of wooden temples have been
influenced with the global warming, air pollution and corrosion, etc…And the overall
maintained are deterioration of environment. According to Korea traditional wooden
buildings methods, all of the wooden Buddhist temples were built with column head or
brackets architrave support of the roof eaves. Several years later, the general conditions of
the temples before conservation are as follows;
(a) Sagging of the girder and outer shawl.
(b) Cracks and detachment of wall.
(c) Inclination of columns and deflection of beams.
(d) Corrosion and deformation of the members due to prolonged exposure to weather.
6.4 Process of Conservation Work carried out

 Both before and during repair work, through survey and research are conducted.

18
  Traditional techniques are inherited for practical use. The newest technology is
applied to recording surveys. In principle, Repair work is to maintain the
original forms and respectively individual Cultural properties.
 Compilation and publishing detailed documentation of contents of repair work
the grounds for conducting the repair work and revealed facts through the
repair.
 Design and management are executed by technical experts in repair work.
 Preserved in their original condition, as well as, their surroundings protected
from indiscriminate development.

Fig. 30 During Repair work in Bongjeongsa Temple

6.5 Others
I have other submits that is concerned with investigation and conservation of
cultural heritages and trips by ACPCS team. The places of field visited are as follows;

No Date Location Heritage People

National Palace Museum
1. 11st-April
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Seoul ACPCS Group
Changdeokgung Palace
2. 12nd-April
National Museum of Korea

19
 Dr .Jo and Ms.
3. 19th-April Gongju Mogoksa Temple
Sehyum Kim(SDPD)

Muwisa Temple
(Geungnakbojeon Hall)
4. 25th-April Gangjin
Wolnam Temple(three story stone pagoda and
Stele for state preceptor Jingak)
Baengmyeonsa Temple Site Mr. Sihyum Kim and
National Maritime Museum Survey Team
Mokpo ( SDPD)
National Research Institute of Maritime Museum
5. 26th-April
Monument for the Victory at Myeongnyang
Haenam Battle
Daeheungsa Temple
6. 27th-April Jangheung Borimsa Temple(East Stupa)
Seokjangri Site Exhibition Hall
Gong San Seong ( Fortress)
7. 3rd-May Gongju
Songsan Village
Jemin river (Jemincheon ) Side ACPCS Group
Excavation Site of Wanggungri
8. 4th-May Iksan Iksan National Museum
Miruksa Temple Site

Bunhwangsa Temple ( Stone brick Pagoda)

9. 14th-May
Seokguram Grotto Ms. Sehyum Kim ,
Bulguksa Temple Mr. Chan Min Park
Gyeongju
Stone Ice Storage and Monitoring
10. 15-May Team (SDPD)
Cheomseongdae
Gyeongju National Museum
Ms.Sehyum Kim
11. 17th-May Nonsan Ssanggyesa Temple
(SDPD)
12. 23th-May Andong Bongjeongsa Temple Ms. Hye Jung ,Son
13. 3rd-May Yeongju Buseoksa Temple and Survey Team
The Field trips knowledge does not only make me understand the architectural
features of the Korea Site but also brighten me on other principal fields such as restoration
practices, archaeological sites management and belief practice in the monasteries.
Furthermore, I have noted that there are similarities in ancient construction techniques of
Korea compared to the wooden architecture of Myanmar.

20
 Fig. 31 Study of regular monitoring in Seokguram Grotto, Bunhwangsa Temple and Stone Ice Storage

Fig. 32 Study of regular survey in Muwisa Temple, Monument for the Victory at Myeongnyang Battle and Wolnam Temple

Fig. 33 Study of regular survey in Daeheungsa Temple, Buseoksa Temple and Bongjeongsa Temple

Fig. 34 Study in Mogoksa Temple, Bulguksa Temple and Ssanggyesa Temple

21
Fig. 35 Study of World Heritage Site in Miruksa Temple, Excavation Site of Wanggungri and Gong San Seong (Fortress)

Fig. 36 Study in Gyeongbokgung Palace and World Heritage Site of Changdeokgung Palace and Cheomseongdae

Fig. 37 Study in National Palace Museum, National Museum of Korea, Gyeongju National Museum

Fig. 38 Study in Seokjangri Site Exhibition Hall, Iksan National Museum and National Maritime Museum

22
 VII. Conclusion
We could note that in the main of the art and architecture of Myanmar is
much direct from India, in contrast to the Korean influenced through China. In term of the
Myanmar wooden monastery is dedicated to Theravada Buddhism and Korea wooden
temples is dedicated to Mahayana Buddhism. The view of the Comparative Study on the
Architectural Design of Traditional Buddhist Wooden Temples in Myanmar and Korea are
as follows;
 Structural Composition
 Layout Plan Myanmar monasteries were built in unit type for four main functions
of building and Korea temples were built in separate type for several functions.
 Foundation System According to Myanmar traditional building methods, all of the
monasteries were built by digging holes pillars. Thus, the parts of the wood pillars
in the ground were ruined several years later. In Korea temples, Column bases were
rectangular stone with smooth surfaces.
 Flooring System, two country are used in same material wood but Myanmar
monasteries' floor is elevated about 2.5  3m above the ground and has wide open
wooden platform which is surrounding the building. In Korea temples, flooring
placed on the ground level but they have small holes for ventilation.
 Column and Bracket System, Round shape column were used in most of wooden
temples between two countries. Korea's bracket system is graceful column bracket
system. According to Korea traditional wooden buildings method, all of the wooden
Buddhist temples were built with column head or brackets architrave support of the
roof eaves.
 Roofing, Myanmar wooden Buddhist temples has crowned by tiered roofing
systems. Korea wooden Buddhist temples, simple basic gable and hip roof are
used.
 Painting and Wood Carving, In Myanmar wooden Buddhist temples with carved
wooden multi figures, all the pillars and exposed parts of the building were applied
with thick crude oil. In Korea wooden Buddhist temples with embellishing with a
multi-colored decorative painting.
23
 Conservation and Preservation Practices
• In Conservation State, In Myanmar, needs to be clarified in the future through the
survey, studies and comparative analyses. In Korea, the cultural heritage has been
researched, documented, conserved and restored in their original condition as well
as their surrounding under the law.
• In Preservation State, in two countries, all Buddhist temples' main structures were
composed of wood. In preservation practices, main causes of deterioration of
wooden architecture cultural heritage are Climates and Environment,
Biodeterioration, Natural Disaster (Earthquake, Flood, Landslide, and Fire .etc).
In Myanmar, Buddhist Monasteries need annual maintenance fund and
monitoring system are still required.
In Korea, all the Temples installed Firefighting System and Pest
Management System. Making regular investigation; research and survey for
structural stability of wooden temples, analysis on safety data, on the safety data,
study on the assessment standard for structural stability and preventive techniques
against natural disasters. In addition, the urgent on-site inspection on situations of
cultural heritage damaged by the natural disaster such as the earthquake is carried
out. Cultural heritage management system; well protected from indiscriminate
development.
My profession is greatly benefited by this comparative research. Relays
from my experiences in Myanmar architectures, I could compare this knowledge to
the Korean architectures. And as a result, the studies get me more insight into the
history and development of Myanmar and Korea architectures from ancient up to
the present time and gravitate towards the future conservation and preservation.

24
 Bibliography
1. Daw Lwin Mar Oo, 2005," Problems and Needs for Cultural Heritage Protection
and Restoration Activities in Myanmar", Training Course on Cultural Heritage
Protection in Asia-Pacific Region.
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Buddhist_temples
3. http://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional Buddhist Mountain Temples of Korea
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagaya_Monastery
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_architecture#Religious_architecture_
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shwenandaw_Monastery
7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shweinbin_Monastery
8. https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/
9. http://www.dbpia.co.kr
10. http://www.law.go.kr
11. http://www.nrich.go.kr/english/index.do
12. Kim Dong-uk, 2013, “History of Korean Architecture", translated by Lim Jong
–hyun, edited by Gregory A. Tisher, Suwon: University of Kyonggi press, 2013.
13. Lim, Manntaek, 2005, “The Scientific Methods for the Restoration and
Preservation of Building Cultural Properties”, Architectural Institute of Korea,
Review of Architecture and Building Science, vol 49, No 12.
14. National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, 2017, Workshop on the scope
of the material and techniques Stone, Wood and Earth, the 1st ISCARSAH
Workshop 2017.
15. Raymond Myo Myint Sein,2015, "The Early Studies on Kombaung Period
(1752-1885) Wooden Buildings in Myanmar Research Studies Performed in
Late 1960's and Early 1970's",Traditional Wooden Buildings in Myanmar,
National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo, March 2015.
16. Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Mar 2017,
"Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage in Myanmar", the Agency for Cultural
Affairs of the Japanese Government 2012-2015. Independent Administrative
Institution National Institutes for Cultural Heritage.

25
17. U Min Min, 2009," Problems and Needs for Cultural Heritage Protection and
Restoration Activities in Myanmar", Training Course on Cultural Heritage
Protection in Asia-Pacific Region.
18. Yang, Tae-Hyeon ,Cheon, Deuk-Youm , 2011, “A Study on the Construction
Method of 5-story Wooden Stupa Represented in Nungsa Temple”, Journal of
the Architectural institute of Korea planning and design, vol 27 No.12.

19.

26