(Siem Reap): On 16 January 2026, the Government of the Republic of Korea, through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in collaboration with the Korea Heritage Agency (KHA), the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, and the APSARA National Authority, held the End-of-Project Results Sharing Symposium for the “Conservation and Restoration of Chorm Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants” in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

The symposium was organized to share the key achievements of the project implemented from 2019 to 2026, and to reflect on the outcomes of Cambodia–Korea cooperation in safeguarding the Angkor World Heritage Site, as well as future directions for sustainable cultural heritage conservation.

The event opened with Opening Remarks by Choi Moon Jung, Country Director of the KOICA Cambodia Office, followed by Welcome Remarks by Kim Dong-ha, Executive Director of the Management Planning Division of the Korea Heritage Agency (KHA).

Congratulatory Remarks were delivered by Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Kingdom of Cambodia, underscoring the importance of bilateral cooperation in the protection and sustainable management of Angkor’s World Heritage.

In his remarks, Ambassador Kim noted that the project demonstrated the value of Cambodia–Korea cooperation in cultural heritage conservation and expressed his hope that the symposium would serve as a foundation for continued collaboration.

Closing Remarks were delivered by Hang Peou, Director General of the APSARA National Authority. In his remarks, he expressed appreciation to all participants and highlighted the significance of conserving Preah Pithu Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants, noting that the project strengthened the capacity of Cambodian experts through the combination of Korean expertise and local traditions. He also expressed his hope for continued cooperation based on mutual trust.

The symposium brought together senior representatives from both countries, including officials from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, KOICA, the Korea Heritage Agency, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, and the APSARA National Authority, as well as national and international experts in cultural heritage conservation.

Through this project, conservation and restoration works at Chorm Temple and sections of the Terrace of the Elephants were successfully completed, enhancing structural stability while preserving their historical, cultural, and architectural significance. In addition, advanced conservation and analytical equipment was provided for shared use by the APSARA National Authority and international conservation teams, contributing to strengthened technical capacity for heritage conservation in Cambodia.

The project also placed strong emphasis on human resource development. More than 150 heritage professionals benefited from capacity-building programs, including training, mentoring, and invitational courses, while on-site tours and technical briefings engaged a total of 560 participants. These efforts supported the transfer of technical knowledge and contributed to the sustainability of heritage conservation beyond physical restoration works.

The symposium reaffirmed that this project, implemented through close collaboration among the Government of the Republic of Korea and Cambodian partner institutions, represents a model of international development cooperation in cultural heritage conservation.

KOICA will continue to work closely with Cambodia to strengthen cultural heritage conservation capacity and to support the long-term protection of world heritage sites through sustainable development cooperation.
=FRESH NEWS