This study examines how the locational characteristics of heritage sites influence their current flood risk in an urban environment under changing climate conditions. We studied 1620 heritage sites in the highly urbanized environment of Seoul, Korea; the study first quantified the flood risk of heritage sites, considering the topography and hydrological environment under 10-, 30-, and 50-year return periods of extreme precipitation scenarios. Terrain analyses were then applied to examine the physical locational characteristics of heritage sites related to flood susceptibility, with a literature review on the historical origin and human factors of each site. The evaluation of the location conditions of at-risk sites and their relationship with the construction period and type of heritage sites was conducted. The results show that the physical, political, economic, social, and cultural determinants of location varied depending on the construction period and heritage type, leading to the present spatial distribution of heritage sites. Specific sites in topographical knickpoints and lowlands near streams, which face additional hydraulic pressure and drainage issues from urban development, showed particularly high flood risks. By examining the interplay between historical, physical, and urban development factors, the research provides a holistic understanding of flood risks, essential for sustainable conservation strategies.

Korean wooden architectural heritage buildings are often damaged by termites, and climate change is expected to exacerbate the problem. To prevent termite damage, it is necessary to identify the habitat range and activity period of termites. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the ecological characteristics of Reticulitermes speratus, the dominant termite species in South Korea, past termite damage records of wooden architectural heritage buildings, and climate data (2000–2019). We determined that termite infestations could potentially occur in 98.5% of the total studied area, except for a few mountainous regions in South Korea. In addition, termites were active for an average of 209 days per year. The habitat range of termites appears to be gradually expanding, possibly as a result of a combination of anthropogenic interventions, rising temperatures caused by climate change, and the ecological characteristics of termites. In the future, it is imperative to implement enhanced preventive and active termite control measures to preserve the original wooden architectural heritage buildings of South Korea.

This study aims to examine the characteristics and trends in heavy rainfall and storm damage to Korean cultural heritage under the influence of climate change. As data for analyzing the disaster damage to cultural heritage, the