No Need to Go to the Airport... Pilot On-Site Cultural Heritage Appraisal Service Launched in Insadong

National Heritage Administration Launches First On-Site Appraisal-by-Reservation Trial
Appraisal Committee Members Dispatched On-Site; Professional Consultations Available from July 22 to 23

A trial service enabling the appraisal of whether cultural heritage or antique artworks can be taken out of the country will be operated on-site in Insadong, Seoul, rather than at airports or ports.

Cultural heritage appraisal committee measuring dimensions of non-heritage artifacts. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The National Heritage Administration announced that it will pilot an on-site appraisal-by-reservation program for two days, from July 22 to July 23, at 7, Insadong 10-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul. This initiative has been established to enhance public convenience and to revitalize the trade and distribution of cultural heritage.

Until now, citizens wishing to take cultural heritage abroad were required to visit the Cultural Heritage Appraisal Office located at airports or ports nationwide. At these offices, officials would determine whether the item qualified as a general movable cultural property under the Cultural Heritage Protection Act, and whether it was allowed to be taken out of the country.

This new program is notable for reducing the inconvenience of having to bring items to airports or ports. Instead, people can receive professional consultations and appraisals in Insadong, the center of antique art distribution.

On-site, a cultural heritage appraisal committee member from the National Heritage Administration will be stationed. After directly appraising the applicant's artifact or cultural item, the expert will inform them whether the item is eligible for export or if it falls under the category of general movable cultural heritage and is thus restricted from being taken overseas.

A representative from the National Heritage Administration said, "During the trial period, we plan to collect user demand and on-site feedback to review possible improvements and the future expansion of the program." The official added, "We aim to enhance the accessibility of administrative services related to cultural heritage, while also creating a sound environment for the trade and distribution of cultural heritage."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.