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

1

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

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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-9

th 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

3

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) .

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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

5

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. 2 East Elevation Fig. 1 Ground Floor Plan

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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

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

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

Fig. 10 West elevation Fig. 9 Ground Floor Plan

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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.

Fig. 11 South Elevation Fig. 12 Bagaya Wooden Monastery

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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

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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.

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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.

12

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

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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. 18 Section View Fig. 17 Floor Plan

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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.

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

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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

Fig. 21 Floor Plan Fig. 22 Section

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

16

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.

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.

Fig. 25 Floor Plan Fig. 26 Section

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

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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.

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

Fig. 29 Liner Composition of Bongjeongsa Temple

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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.

19

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.

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

1. 11st-April

Seoul

National Palace Museum

ACPCS Group Gyeongbokgung Palace

2. 12nd-April Changdeokgung Palace

National Museum of Korea

Fig. 30 During Repair work in Bongjeongsa Temple

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3. 19th-April Gongju Mogoksa Temple Dr .Jo and Ms.

Sehyum Kim(SDPD)

4. 25th-April Gangjin

Muwisa Temple

(Geungnakbojeon Hall)

Mr. Sihyum Kim and

Survey Team

( SDPD)

Wolnam Temple(three story stone pagoda and

Stele for state preceptor Jingak)

Baengmyeonsa Temple Site

5. 26th-April

Mokpo

National Maritime Museum

National Research Institute of Maritime Museum

Haenam

Monument for the Victory at Myeongnyang

Battle

Daeheungsa Temple

6. 27th-April Jangheung Borimsa Temple(East Stupa)

7. 3rd-May Gongju

Seokjangri Site Exhibition Hall

ACPCS Group

Gong San Seong ( Fortress)

Songsan Village

Jemin river (Jemincheon ) Side

8. 4th-May Iksan

Excavation Site of Wanggungri

Iksan National Museum

Miruksa Temple Site

9. 14th-May

Gyeongju

Bunhwangsa Temple ( Stone brick Pagoda)

Ms. Sehyum Kim ,

Mr. Chan Min Park

and Monitoring

Team (SDPD)

Seokguram Grotto

10. 15-May

Bulguksa Temple

Stone Ice Storage

Cheomseongdae

Gyeongju National Museum

11. 17th-May Nonsan Ssanggyesa Temple Ms.Sehyum Kim

(SDPD)

12. 23th-May Andong Bongjeongsa Temple Ms. Hye Jung ,Son

and Survey Team 13. 3rd-May Yeongju Buseoksa Temple

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.

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

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

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

22

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

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

23

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.

24

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.

25

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