[Arts & Culture] Who are the guardians of Korea's cultural legacy?

It's Friday and that means it's time for our Arts and Culture segment.

We have our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin in the studio.

Welcome, Yoo-jin!

Happy Friday!

Indeed. What do you have for us today?

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about how not all great and important work is given the spotlight.

Take this very newscast, for example.

While we're in front of the camera, there's a team of incredibly talented people working tirelessly behind it to bring this News Center to life every night.

The same goes for art.

While some dedicate their lives to creating it, others work tirelessly behind the scenes to restore and preserve it.

This week, I have a story about a group of skilled technicians who ensure that our cultural treasures stand the test of time.

Let's take a look.

At a glance, these two paintings may seem identical.

But look closer, and you'll start to spot differences.

The one on the left has stains, areas where paint has peeled or faded; imperfections that are absent in the one on the right.

This transformation is the work of future 'national heritage maintenance technicians.'

National heritage maintenance technicians are certified professionals responsible for preserving Korea's cultural treasures, from paintings to historic buildings, as close to their original state as possible.

"Every year, the Heritage Education Institute offers a training program to nurture experts in the conservation, repair, and restoration of national heritage. Here at the Insa Art Center in Seoul, the works by graduates of last year's program are on display."

Since these students are not yet licensed, they have recreated existing pieces to showcase their craftsmanship.

One such piece is this Joseon Dynasty-style checkerboard, crafted with a turtle shell top and a tiger design made from ox horn.

And this is the original housed at the National Folk Museum of Korea.

"I first crafted the wooden base, then applied hemp cloth, layered lacquer, and added decorative elements. What I loved most about this program was collaborating across different fields. This piece, for example, includes mineral pigments used in the dancheong traditional paintwork."

The exhibition features 1-hundred-1 student works.

Students can choose from 15 courses in the program, including lacquering, woodworking, paintwork and imitation.

"We started with 40 students in 2012, and now have over 1-hundred-20 graduates each year. I can feel the growing public interest, which I think is due to more people recognizing the importance of cultural heritage."

The steady rise in technicians reflects this growing awareness, with over 13-thousand now working in the field.

Although they're called technicians they are, in fact, artists in their own right.

"Restoring heritage requires highly specialized skills, using the same techniques as in the past. In this sense, these experts play a central role in preserving and protecting our cultural heritage."

Though these technicians often work behind the spotlight, their hands keep history alive, preserving its timeless beauty.

A craft rarely acknowledged, but absolutely essential.

"I think preserving traditional crafts is key to protecting our national identity and history. That's why we need experts who safeguard not just the artistic value of artifacts, but also their cultural and historical significance. I really hope to be part of that work."

They're the guardians of Korea's national heritage, ensuring that its beauty endures for generations to come.

What a truly rewarding and noble profession.

And it's so exciting that you had the chance to meet these future technicians and see their work, Yoo-jin.

For those interested, can you tell us a bit more about the exhibition?

I'd love to.

The 1-hundred-1 pieces on display range from traditional decorative paintings, imitation works, lacquering, woodwork, metal fittings, and gold plating.

With so many on display, it can be tough to know where to start.

The Korea Heritage Service recommends four pieces: the checkerboard featured in my report, a replica of the Changdeokgung Palace Sangnyangjeong Pavilion ceiling, an imitation of a Buddhist painting from Daeheungsa Temple in Jeollanam-do Province, and a peony flower latticework door from Bulgapsa Temple, also in Jeollanam-do.

You mentioned that these graduates don't yet have their licenses. What does it take to become a certified national heritage maintenance technician?

To become certified, you need to sign up for the annual national certification exam. The registration period for this year is coming up, from February 17th to 21st.

The exam has 24 categories, each involving an interview and a practical test, scheduled for early April.

Once you pass, you become a certified technician and are qualified to work directly on national heritage sites.

Best of luck to all those taking the exam this year. Thank you Yoo-jin, for sharing this with us today.

Always a pleasure.