S.Korea expands insurance mandate for heritage restoration

by Joonha Yoo Posted : November 12, 2026, 15:35Updated : November 12, 2026, 15:35
A briefing on mandatory liability insurance and mutual aid coverage for national heritage restoration projects is held at the National Palace Museum of Korea in Seoul on Sept 15 2026 Courtesy of the Korea Heritage Service
A briefing on mandatory liability insurance and mutual aid coverage for national heritage restoration projects is held at the National Palace Museum of Korea in Seoul on Sept. 15, 2026. Courtesy of the Korea Heritage Service

SEOUL, November 12 (AJP) - South Korea has made liability insurance mandatory for all cultural heritage restoration contracts signed from Thursday, extending the requirement to smaller projects and related design and supervision services.

The Korea Heritage Service said the revised rules apply to heritage restoration contractors, survey and design firms, and construction supervisors. Previously, mandatory coverage was limited to contractors handling restoration projects worth at least 20 billion won ($14.5 million).

The expanded requirement is intended to clarify liability for accidents and damage during restoration work and ensure compensation when historical sites or structures are damaged.

Contractors and other covered businesses can obtain insurance through the National Heritage Restoration Mutual Aid Association or private insurers.

The changes follow revisions to the Act on the Maintenance of National Heritage and apply to newly signed contracts rather than previously completed agreements.