A bridge between eras: Digitizing Korea’s Hanbyeongnu Pavilion with Artec Ray II and photogrammetry

The Hanbyeongnu Pavilion, a cherished landmark in the village of Cheongpung. Image courtesy of Hello3D

Beneath the sweeping eaves of the Hanbyeongnu Pavilion, tucked away in the middle of the Korean peninsula, history whispers through every delicate detail. A tribute to centuries-old craftsmanship, the future of this architectural gem has been trusted into the hands of modern technology masters. To preserve the treasured legacy, provide better access to the site, and lay the foundations for future restoration work, the Korea Heritage Service commissioned an Artec 3D Ambassador to create a digital twin of the revered landmark.

A history spanning seven centuries

The awe-inspiring pavilion was built in 1317 to commemorate the elevated status of Cheongpung, promoted from a township to a county during the Goryeo period (918-1392). A space where one can feel the spirit of traditional Korean art, the pavilion became a popular meeting place for poets and scholars during the Joseon dynasty (1392-1897).

Featuring an extended wing with terraced wooden floors, this work of architectural art has been admired for its elegant simplicity and refined style throughout centuries. But like many landmarks, it had to endure the test of time and withstand the merciless powers of nature: the structure collapsed during a great flood in 1972 and was reconstructed three years later. After another decade, the pavilion was moved to the Cheongpung Cultural Heritage Complex due to the construction of Chungju Dam.

Advanced heritage scanning with Artec Ray II

The digitization of the pavilion, initiated by the National Heritage Industry Promotion Team of the Korea Heritage Service, pursued several objectives: it was crucial to preserve the invaluable cultural asset and allow anyone interested in exploring Korean culture to engage with the landmark in new ways. To meet the goals of the project, the team needed a fast, safe, and reliable solution that would guarantee high-quality results.

Having worked over several years to collect 3D data and photographs of the pavilion, the agency was looking for a solution that would go beyond their expectations in terms of quality and scale, and entrusted Hello3D, an Artec 3D Ambassador in Korea, with the delicate task of capturing the historical treasure.

The long-range LiDAR Artec Ray II was chosen for the mission: the ultimate solution for scanning massive objects and scenes, from giant statues to temples to ancient towns. Designed for large-scale digitization projects, Ray II scans from up to 130 meters away, capturing elaborate details with stunning accuracy. In this project, the scanner’s high-resolution cameras were especially important in capturing the photorealistic color needed to bring every vibrant element of the pavilion to life in the digital world.

The 3D digitization project called for a solution that would do justice to the level of detail of the original ornament. Image courtesy of the Korea Heritage Service

“We conduct scanning and photogrammetry on approximately 30-50 large architectural heritage sites each year,” said Hello3D’s CEO Chris Park. “The process is very straightforward, and the scanning performance is impressive.”

To digitize the pavilion, Hello3D’s scanning specialists made full use of the scanner’s capabilities. They also came up with some pro tips: first, they ensured that scans were captured in a way that allowed them to align seamlessly with each other. For less visible areas or intricate details, they would move closer or take additional captures. When scanning higher surfaces with Ray II, the team achieved even better coverage by using a tripod and scanning from an elevated position. After all possible details were captured, they used a camera for difficult-to-reach areas, integrating photogrammetry to complete the job.

The power of the right software

For this, the timing of the project could not be better: with the release of Artec Studio 19, processing became a breeze. “Particularly useful commands include the precise alignment and registration features. This process is overwhelmingly faster and more accurate compared to other programs, and above all, it’s incredibly easy to use. The software we used in combination was RealityCapture. With the new features integrated into AS19, it seems that we will primarily rely on Artec Studio for our needs,” explained Park.

Overall, processing involved mesh merging, refining particularly challenging areas, and applying color work. “There was a clear difference in data processing speed. The scanner processed data at a very high speed, making it easy to handle large-scale original data, and meshing tasks were completed quickly and efficiently. This level of speed and convenience was likely made possible by the integration of the highly responsive Artec Studio,” said a member of the National Heritage Industry Promotion Team.

Preserving the past to shape the future

The result? A credible digital twin of the pavilion, true to life in every detail and brimming with color. The 3D model is now ready to be used in various projects, be it in preservation, VR, or education and research. The Korea Heritage Service envisions both a bright future and meaningful applications for digital twins like this one.

3D model of the Hanbyeongnu Pavilion. Image courtesy of Hello3D

“By utilizing advanced scanning technology, we can easily and safely collect cultural heritage data. Accurate and well-preserved digital cultural heritage can be freely accessed by households, schools, educational institutions, and businesses, allowing individuals to view it at their desks, print it out, and even spark curiosity to visit these sites in person, thereby significantly contributing to the tourism industry,” concluded the agency representative.

As interest in Korea’s cultural assets continues to grow, 3D technology will not only deepen our understanding of heritage sites like the Hanbyeongnu Pavilion, but also raise awareness of their importance and value. Boasting a rich history and a wealth of one-of-a-kind cultural landmarks, Korea is undergoing a digital transformation to preserve and better promote these assets. The mesmerizing beauty of Korean architectural sites, brought to wider audiences in stunning 3D, will keep driving regional development and economic growth. Artec 3D is proud that this same technology will also play a leading part in safeguarding it.