SEOUL, March 26 (Korea Bizwire) — The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) announced plans on Tuesday to launch a major research initiative aimed at restoring the population of the jewel beetle, an iridescent insect once prized in ancient Silla-era royal adornments.
The jewel beetle, designated as a Natural Monument and a Class I endangered species, is known for its brilliant green and bronze metallic sheen. Revered for centuries, its presence has been confirmed only in the most prestigious royal tombs, including Hwangnamdaechong and Geumgwanchong.
researchers found decorative horse trappings decorated with the beetles’ wing cases in Tomb No. 44 at Jjoksaem, believed to be the final resting place of a young Silla princess.
A notable discovery in 2024 included a saddle decoration made of jewel beetle elytra, fashioned into floral patterns, from Tomb No. 44 in Gyeongju — believed to be the resting place of a young Silla princess.
Native to Korea’s warmer southern regions, the jewel beetle’s habitat has been rapidly shrinking, with remaining populations confirmed only in parts of Jeollanam-do, Jeollabuk-do, and Gyeongsangnam-do. The Korea Heritage Service expressed concern over the species’ vulnerability, citing its limited habitat range and susceptibility to environmental changes.
As part of the new research initiative, officials will focus on surveying habitats around Haenam County in South Jeolla Province and securing wild breeding stock. The project will also develop protocols for artificial propagation across all life stages, alongside detailed guidelines outlining environmental conditions necessary for the beetle’s survival and reproduction.
These ornamental panels, known as maldarae, were traditionally hung beneath saddles to protect riders from mud splatter.
“The goal is to establish a large-scale propagation system that can eventually contribute to the restoration of cultural heritage objects,” an official from The Korea Heritage Service said.
The agency revealed that one research institute has bid on the project, with work scheduled to continue through December 2025. In addition to the jewel beetle, the administration plans to conduct parallel studies on the endangered mountain chimney butterfly, native to the high-altitude regions of Hallasan on Jeju Island.
This effort marks a growing movement to bridge environmental conservation with the preservation of Korea’s ancient cultural artifacts, as the country looks ahead to broader restoration projects in 2026 and beyond.
Image credit: The Korea Heritage Service (KHS), National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage / photonews@koreabizwire.com
