Termite Management in Korean Wooden Cultural Heritage: Current Status and Future Direction After a Decade of Effort
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT Protecting wooden cultural heritage inherited from our ancestors in its original form and cultural value is essential to pass it on to future generations. However, some wooden cultural heritage sites in Korea are at risk due to termite infestations. The structural damage caused by termites is irreversible and requires immediate attention. In this review, we summarize termite research in Korea and discuss current control measures used to manage termite infestations in wooden cultural heritage, based on a decade‐long biological damage management project (2013–2023). We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the final reports and found that wood preservatives and insecticide treatments, as well as termite baiting (with fipronil as the active ingredient), are the most commonly used methods. The average cost of managing biological damage was approximately $36,659.36 per heritage site, with a total expenditure of around $12 million over the 10‐year period. Our review not only highlights the current treatment protocols and termiticides in use but also addresses ongoing challenges, as well as the regulatory and policy perspectives that should be considered for future termite management strategies.
Source: Entomological Research
Authors: Sihyun Kim, Younghee Kim, Kukhyun Lim, Sang‐Bin Lee
Language: English
Subfield: Archeology
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4417310131