Cultural properties have been successively discovered at the construction sites of the Hapcheon and Haman Weirs. The kiln relic discovered at the Hapcheon Weir, however, will be dug up in non-accordance with cultural property protocol or will simply be reburied following an investigation for the construction of a hydroelectric power plant at the site. Thus, the efforts to track down cultural properties have been a mere formality.

An advisory committee was convened on March 9 to discuss procedure for the cultural properties that were discovered at the site of the hydroelectric power plant, which stands 10m away from the construction site of the Hapcheon Weir. The committee members discussed the cultural properties that were discovered by the Korea Archaeology and Art History Research Institute (KAARI). KAARI discovered kiln relics and a number of cultural properties including strips of white porcelain and pottery with dark brown glaze, which has been dated back to the 18th century and has been undergoing an unearthing process since Feb. 4. KAARI said, “The site is thought to be the site of the production of white porcelain and pottery, which was then distributed to areas nearby.” KAARI continued, “Through the relics, we can determine the way in which people of the Joseon Dynasty period made everyday goods and their methods of distribution.”

Civic organizations, however, are voicing concerns that the committee, which is comprised of pro-government figures, will determine whether the cultural properties are worth preserving based on what they see as the greater priority of construction for the Four Major Rivers Restoration Project. A Korea Water Resources Corporation official said, “The Korea Water Resources Corporation has been concerned that construction for the Four Major Rivers Restoration Project will be delayed by the matter of the cultural properties.” The official added, “I think that the cultural properties may be dug up or reburied after the investigation.”

In response, Hwang Pyung-woo, head of the heritage committee of civic group Cultural Action said, “If cultural properties were discovered, it is proper protocal to preserve them at the site or preserve them by moving them.” Hwang added, “I doubt that the committee is able to make the decision to preserve the relics because the committee consists entirely of pro-government figures.”

Meanwhile, KAARI has also announced, “We found a number of relics such as pieces of earthenware of the Silla Dynasty period and white porcelain of the Joseon Dynasty period near the site of construction for the Haman Weir.” The institute added, “We have formally submitted our opinion, stating that the Cultural Heritage Administration needs to conduct a close inspection of those sites.”

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