Government to fully fund excavation surveys for houses, factories

The Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) announced Tuesday that it will increase its funds for excavation surveys required ahead of construction by 2 billion won ($1.6 million) starting next year.

Excavation surveys are scientific investigations of major historical artifacts buried underground ahead of development projects or construction.

Individuals or groups who are heading construction projects are solely responsible for conducting excavation surveys beforehand in principle, but the CHA offers state-funded options for smaller construction projects in order to reduce the people's economic burden, as well as to effectively protect and manage buried heritage. Excavation surveys for small construction projects cost around 20 million won, according to CHA.

The state fund for excavation surveys is currently 3 billion won and covers full or partial excavation survey fees for construction involving private houses under 792 square meters, agricultural and fisheries sites under 2,644 square meters, private office space under 792 square meters and factories under 792 square meters.

With the extra money next year, CHA plans to fully cover excavation survey costs for construction involving all private houses as well as commercial buildings, sports facilities, storage spaces and factories, regardless of size.

“We plan to continue to expand state support to ease the burden of excavation costs of construction implementers in the future,” said CHA in Tuesday’s news release.

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]