How Korea’s Museums Defend Cultural Heritage Against Summer’s Harsh Climate
Jason Yim / Published July 24, 2025 08:51 PM
Jason Yim
Summer in Korea brings more than just monsoon rains, typhoons, and oppressive heat — it brings a silent, persistent threat to the nation's cultural heritage. Sudden fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause irreversible damage to artifacts made of wood, metal, textiles, and paper — many of which have survived for centuries.
So how are Korea’s top museums protecting these priceless treasures?
At the National Museum of Korea, conservation begins with meticulous environmental control. The museum manages roughly 20 storage rooms categorized by material type — separate spaces for metals, wooden objects, paintings, and calligraphy — each with its own optimal climate settings. Metal artifacts are kept at relative humidity levels below 50 percent to prevent corrosion, while wooden and paper-based pieces require slightly more moisture, with targets between 50 and 60 percent
The Pensive Bodhisattva at the National Museum of Korea [NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREA]
Seasonal changes call for careful recalibration. Summer’s heavy humidity requires aggressive dehumidification, especially for metals, while the dryness of winter demands moisture retention for wood-based objects.
But exhibition halls pose a more complex challenge. Unlike storage areas, displays often feature diverse materials side-by-side, ranging from prehistoric relics to Joseon-era (1392–1910) artifacts. Creating individualized environments for each item is impossible. Instead, Korean museums adopt compromise conditions: temperatures around 20°C (68°F), with a tolerance of ±4°C, and humidity maintained at 50 percent, with a ±10 percent range. These standards, based on International Council of Museums guidelines, are adapted to Korea’s specific climate conditions.
“The most important thing is minimizing fluctuations,” said Lee Hyeon-ju, curator at the National Palace Museum of Korea. “Consistency within the allowed range is key.”
The open storage space at the National Palace Museum of Korea [NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM OF KOREA]
Technology in Harmony
Modern conservation is a symphony of environmental technologies. Centralized HVAC systems manage air quality, temperature, and humidity. Supplementing these are specialized tools like Art Sorb — a silica gel-based humidity control material placed inside storage rooms or display cases. It works like an advanced moisture buffer, especially effective for sensitive objects such as historical documents and paintings.
Private-sector innovation also plays a growing role. Humaster, a Korean company specializing in humidity and ventilation solutions, recently installed a system at Wansan Bunker the Space in Jeonju, a subterranean museum grappling with persistent dampness. The company also developed compact humidity-control patches, “Husheets,” used at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
“Our products are certified for material stability to meet the stringent needs of cultural preservation,” said Humaster CEO Lee Dae-young. The company is preparing to expand internationally, with plans to equip Thailand’s national natural history museum next year.
Before such high-tech solutions were available, traditional materials like paulownia wood — known for its moisture resistance and shock absorption — were standard. While modern materials have largely taken over, paulownia is still used for artifact transportation due to its proven reliability.
“Museums only adopt materials and technologies that have been rigorously tested,” emphasized Lee Seung-eun, a curator at the National Museum of Korea.
The open storage space at the National Palace Museum of Korea [NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM OF KOREA]
Balancing Preservation and Sustainability
Preservation comes at a cost — not only in terms of care, but energy. Maintaining precise indoor climates via HVAC systems year-round requires substantial electricity. At the National Palace Museum of Korea, approximately 38 percent of the total budget goes to electricity bills, the majority for climate control.
“Energy efficiency is becoming a critical concern,” said curator Lee Hyeon-ju. “We’re exploring seasonal flexibility, especially during milder months like spring and fall, when strict controls can be eased slightly without compromising artifact safety.”
Lee Seung-eun agrees: “A fluctuation of one or two degrees won’t destroy an artifact. The challenge is finding that balance — preserving cultural assets while using energy responsibly.”
Artifacts naturally age. The mission of museums is not to stop time, but to slow its effects. Behind the scenes, conservation work continues quietly and tirelessly — making museums not only guardians of history, but hospitals for heritage.
Sayart / Jason Yim yimjongho1969@gmail.com
Summer in Korea brings more than just monsoon rains, typhoons, and oppressive heat — it brings a silent, persistent threat to the nation's cultural heritage. Sudden fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause irreversible damage to artifacts made of wood, metal, textiles, and paper — many of which have survived for centuries.
So how are Korea’s top museums protecting these priceless treasures?
At the National Museum of Korea, conservation begins with meticulous environmental control. The museum manages roughly 20 storage rooms categorized by material type — separate spaces for metals, wooden objects, paintings, and calligraphy — each with its own optimal climate settings. Metal artifacts are kept at relative humidity levels below 50 percent to prevent corrosion, while wooden and paper-based pieces require slightly more moisture, with targets between 50 and 60 percent
The Pensive Bodhisattva at the National Museum of Korea [NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREA]
Seasonal changes call for careful recalibration. Summer’s heavy humidity requires aggressive dehumidification, especially for metals, while the dryness of winter demands moisture retention for wood-based objects.
But exhibition halls pose a more complex challenge. Unlike storage areas, displays often feature diverse materials side-by-side, ranging from prehistoric relics to Joseon-era (1392–1910) artifacts. Creating individualized environments for each item is impossible. Instead, Korean museums adopt compromise conditions: temperatures around 20°C (68°F), with a tolerance of ±4°C, and humidity maintained at 50 percent, with a ±10 percent range. These standards, based on International Council of Museums guidelines, are adapted to Korea’s specific climate conditions.
“The most important thing is minimizing fluctuations,” said Lee Hyeon-ju, curator at the National Palace Museum of Korea. “Consistency within the allowed range is key.”
The open storage space at the National Palace Museum of Korea [NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM OF KOREA]
Technology in Harmony
Modern conservation is a symphony of environmental technologies. Centralized HVAC systems manage air quality, temperature, and humidity. Supplementing these are specialized tools like Art Sorb — a silica gel-based humidity control material placed inside storage rooms or display cases. It works like an advanced moisture buffer, especially effective for sensitive objects such as historical documents and paintings.
Private-sector innovation also plays a growing role. Humaster, a Korean company specializing in humidity and ventilation solutions, recently installed a system at Wansan Bunker the Space in Jeonju, a subterranean museum grappling with persistent dampness. The company also developed compact humidity-control patches, “Husheets,” used at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
“Our products are certified for material stability to meet the stringent needs of cultural preservation,” said Humaster CEO Lee Dae-young. The company is preparing to expand internationally, with plans to equip Thailand’s national natural history museum next year.
Before such high-tech solutions were available, traditional materials like paulownia wood — known for its moisture resistance and shock absorption — were standard. While modern materials have largely taken over, paulownia is still used for artifact transportation due to its proven reliability.
“Museums only adopt materials and technologies that have been rigorously tested,” emphasized Lee Seung-eun, a curator at the National Museum of Korea.
The open storage space at the National Palace Museum of Korea [NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM OF KOREA]
Balancing Preservation and Sustainability
Preservation comes at a cost — not only in terms of care, but energy. Maintaining precise indoor climates via HVAC systems year-round requires substantial electricity. At the National Palace Museum of Korea, approximately 38 percent of the total budget goes to electricity bills, the majority for climate control.
“Energy efficiency is becoming a critical concern,” said curator Lee Hyeon-ju. “We’re exploring seasonal flexibility, especially during milder months like spring and fall, when strict controls can be eased slightly without compromising artifact safety.”
Lee Seung-eun agrees: “A fluctuation of one or two degrees won’t destroy an artifact. The challenge is finding that balance — preserving cultural assets while using energy responsibly.”
Artifacts naturally age. The mission of museums is not to stop time, but to slow its effects. Behind the scenes, conservation work continues quietly and tirelessly — making museums not only guardians of history, but hospitals for heritage.
