The National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage (NRICH) has initiated the International Cooperation Program on Conservation (ICPC), expanding its cultural heritage conservation training from Asia to a global audience. This program builds on the Asia Cooperation Program on Conservation Science (ACPCS), which has trained 120 participants from 19 Asian countries over the past 20 years. The ICPC aims to foster international collaboration and establish a global network centered on K-Heritage, Korea’s cultural heritage conservation expertise. The launch of ICPC represents NRICH’s commitment to diversifying international cooperation and enhancing the value of K-Heritage worldwide.
ICPC is open to professionals in archaeology, art, architecture, safety and disaster prevention, conservation science, and digital heritage. Approximately five trainees will be selected, with the program offering both theoretical and practical training under a Mentor–Mentee System tailored to individual research topics. The initiative is expected to attract experts from Africa, Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and other regions, enabling them to apply K-Heritage technologies and values in their own countries. The program is designed to strengthen participants’ conservation capabilities and promote mutual exchange among global heritage professionals.
Applications for ICPC are accepted via the NRICH website from March 4 to April 17. Final selection of trainees will occur in early May, and the 60-day training program will run from August 3 to October 1. NRICH plans to gradually expand both the number of participants and the duration of the program, while also enhancing other international training initiatives such as CollAsia (jointly operated with ICCROM) and the On-site Technical Training Program (OTTP). These efforts aim to reinforce NRICH’s role as a leading institution in world heritage preservation.
Frequently asked questions include: Who can apply for ICPC? Professionals in NRICH’s principal fields of expertise are eligible. What is the structure of the training? Selected trainees will engage in a 60-day program combining theory and practice under the Mentor–Mentee System. What is the expected impact? The program is anticipated to strengthen global cooperation and enable participants to integrate K-Heritage technologies into their local heritage conservation efforts.
The ICPC program’s global launch demonstrates NRICH’s strategic commitment to internationalizing Korea’s cultural heritage conservation expertise. By building on the proven ACPCS model and introducing tailored mentorship and practical training, NRICH is poised to strengthen global networks and foster meaningful exchanges among heritage professionals. The inclusion of experts from diverse regions, such as Africa and SIDS, underscores the program’s inclusive approach. This initiative is likely to enhance the adoption of K-Heritage technologies and reinforce NRICH’s leadership in world heritage preservation.