We came to learn national heritage conservation and restoration techniques in Pakistan and Laos

Korea Heritage Agency to hold training program for national heritage practitioners from Pakistan and Laos in 2025

The Korea Heritage Service (Administrator Choi Eung-chon) is conducting the "2025 National Heritage ODA Invitation Training Program" in cooperation with the Korea Heritage Agency (President Choi Young-chang) by inviting national heritage professionals from Pakistan and Laos to Korea.

This invitation program is part of the National Heritage ODA Project, which aims to strengthen the capacity of cultural heritage restoration and conservation officials from Pakistan and Laos, and to promote international cooperation to build a sustainable foundation for cultural heritage management.

The training program for Pakistani officials was held from 9th to 18th September and lasted 10 days. A total of 19 officials from the National Heritage and Culture Department of Pakistan and other national heritage-related agencies participated. Through visits to Seoul, Sejong, Gyeongju and Gyeonggi-do, the participants gained insights into Korea's experience in securing UNESCO World Heritage status and its management systems.

The main program included ▲ a visit to the International Centre for the Interpretation and Presentation of World Heritage Sites, ▲ field trips to World Heritage sites such as Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju, ▲ on-site investigation of the inscription and management of Namhansanseong Fortress as a World Heritage site, and ▲ a workshop on the preparation of an implementation plan for World Heritage management. During the workshop, the trainees developed a strategy for nominating Pakistan’s heritage sites for UNESCO World Heritage Sites and presented implementation plans.

Muhammad Haseeb Akif, a researcher from the Department of Archaeology and Museums of the National Heritage and Culture Division of Pakistan, said, "I was deeply impressed by how Korea's national heritage is systematically researched and managed. Although Pakistan has excellent national heritage sites such as Mohenjo-Daro, it lacks proper management, which is unfortunate. I would like to share what I learned during the training with my colleagues in Pakistan when I return“.

Meanwhile, The invitional training program for Laos will take place over seven days from 11th to 17th May. The program aims to strengthen digital conservation and scientific conservation technology skills through visits to the National Museum of Korea and field education at world heritage sites in Korea. In addition, participants will attend the 61st Spring Academic Conference of the Korean Society of Conservation Science for Cultural Heritage and present the results of the joint restoration project of the Hong Nang Sida Temple in Laos, conducted in collaboration with Korean and Laotian experts.

Na Jeong-hee, Director General of the International Cooperation Center of the Korea Heritage Agency, said, "This invitation program was planned based on the experience of projects in Pakistan and Laos, with the aim of promoting communication with experts from the host countries. It will serve as a successful case study of international cooperation through cultural heritage that goes beyond mere education. We will continue to share our expertise in cultural heritage preservation with countries beyond Asia and strive to disseminate Korea's conservation technologies worldwide.