By Jin Seol-yi KT Senior Reporter
Introduction to the Department of Restoration and Art for Cultural Heritage (DRACH)
In 2025, Kyungnam University (KU) established DRACH to cultivate skilled professionals in the fields of cultural heritage and artwork conservation and restoration. This new department offers a comprehensive curriculum combining theoretical foundations with practical training while also providing specialized programs to prepare students for national professional certifications in heritage restoration.
As the only art restoration department in the country that employs hands-on, e x p e r i e n c e - d r i v e n education, it stands out for its ability to nurture field-ready experts. Restoration is not merely the repair of artworks—it is a complex art form that integrates history, fine arts, and advanced technology. Through interdisciplinary and specialized education, the department teaches students problem-solving abilities and collaborative skills, while systematically supporting their development of practical competencies and competitive qualifications.
Curriculum and Educational Goals
DRACH is designed to integrate practical studio training with academic theory. Students learn a variety of restoration techniques and are given knowledge of materials essential for conserving works of art and cultural properties. In addition, they gain real-world experience through hands-on restoration projects. Core courses include Introduction to Cultural Heritage Conservation and Practice, Ceramic Artwork Restoration Practice, Art Restoration Techniques, Cultural Heritage Investigation Techniques, Introduction to Museology, and Digital Restoration Practice. The program equips students not only with restoration skills but also with expertise in preservation, collection management, and exhibition planning.
Career Paths and Professional Certifications
Graduates of DRACH have diverse career paths available to them. Upon completing the department’s coursework and training, students are eligible to earn national certifications such as Cultural Heritage Repair Technician and 3D Printer Operation Technician, enabling them to pursue careers as cultural heritage conservation specialists, art restorers, restoration engineers, and conservation scientists.
Rooted in a deep understanding of cultural and artistic restoration and reinforced by intensive field training, the department emphasizes practical expertise. Through this department, KU aims to promote
the importance of cultural heritage preservation both domestically and globally. Its graduates will play a vital role in safeguarding and restoring cultural assets, ensuring their legacy is passed down to future generations.
