S. Korea Provides Technical Support to Preserve Cambodia’s Angkor Wat

The world-famous Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem Reap, northwestern Cambodia. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, May 19 (Korea Bizwire) — The Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology said Thursday it is offering assistance for the preservation and restoration of Cambodia’s Angkor ruins, which include the Preah Pithu temple and the Terrace of the Elephants.

The Terrace of the Elephants, situated within the country’s ancient Buddhist temple complex, Angkor Wat, is a towering elephant sculpture measuring 300 meters in height.

Angkor’s ruins have been grappling with inadequate sewage systems, and the accumulation of thick clay layers has resulted in unpredictable subsidence of various structures during the monsoon season.

In response to these challenges, the institute has partnered with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) as an executing organization for an official development assistance (ODA) project, aimed at providing technical support to safeguard the ruins.

To address the delicate nature of the ruins, the institute conducted non-destructive testing methods to analyze the land.

As a result, the institute devised an innovative approach to reinforce the land foundation without the need for drilling, employing a cone penetration test.

Drawing on these research findings, the institute offered technical guidance on strengthening land foundations and mitigating structural subsidence as part of the preservation efforts.

M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)