South Korea has joined hands with Peru for the preservation and sustainable management of the world-renowned cultural heritage site, Machu Picchu. The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 18th that it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Peruvian Ministry of Culture to expand mutual cooperation in the field of cultural heritage.
The core of this agreement is an Official Development Assistance (ODA) project jointly 추진 by both countries, aiming to preserve the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Through this project, both nations plan to develop an integrated system for the preservation and utilization of the Machu Picchu ruins, including safety assessments, prevention of structural damage, establishment of a digital cultural heritage archive, and restoration efforts.
This project is currently awaiting final approval from the Republic of Korea's Inter-Ministerial Committee for Development Cooperation (CDAC), and the Korea National University of Cultural Heritage will undertake the project upon approval. The project is scheduled to commence in earnest from 2026.
Machu Picchu, a representative 15th-century Inca citadel located 2,430 meters above sea level in the Andes Mountains, is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Latin America and a crucial site symbolizing Peru's rich cultural heritage. However, concerns about the deterioration of the ruins due to the passage of time and a surge in tourists have been consistently raised.
Through this agreement, South Korea plans to actively support the preservation of Machu Picchu with its advanced cultural heritage preservation technology and experience. In particular, the introduction of precise safety diagnoses using digital technology and scientific conservation treatment techniques is expected to significantly contribute to the sustainable preservation and management of Machu Picchu. Furthermore, the establishment of a digital archive of cultural heritage will play a vital role in conveying the historical and cultural value of Machu Picchu fully to future generations.
An official from the Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "This cultural heritage cooperation with Peru will be an opportunity to gain international recognition for South Korea's excellent cultural heritage preservation capabilities. By supporting the systematic preservation and management of Machu Picchu, we will contribute to the protection of humanity's shared cultural heritage and strive to further enhance cultural exchange between the two countries."
An official from the Peruvian Ministry of Culture responded, "We deeply appreciate Korea's support for the preservation of Machu Picchu. We expect that Korea's advanced technology and experience will greatly help in preserving Machu Picchu more safely and building a sustainable tourism model."
This cooperation is expected to serve as an important stepping stone not only for technological support but also for promoting cultural understanding and building a long-term friendly cooperative relationship between the two countries. South Korea will continue to actively participate in international efforts for the preservation of world cultural heritage and enhance its standing as a cultural powerhouse.
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