National Archives of Korea

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National Archives of Korea
Administrative repository of National Archives of Korea
36°21′40″N 127°23′07″E / 36.360999778241386°N 127.38537581151154°E / 36.360999778241386; 127.38537581151154
Alternative names	국가기록원
Location	Daejeon, South Korea
Website	https://www.archives.go.kr/next/viewMain.do

National Archives of Korea (Korean: 국가기록원) is an agency of South Korean government, charged with preserving government-produced articles and records. It is headquartered in Government Complex Daejeon and has branches in Busan and Seongnam, and an office in Seoul.

Key tasks include establishment of the basic policies and improvement of system for the records management, establishment of the standardization policy for the records management and development and operation of the standards for the records management, drafting and management of the statistics on and related to the records management, establishment and standardization of the electronic management system for records, research and propagation of the management methods and records preservation technology, education and training of staffs associated with the records management, guidance, supervision and evaluation of the records management, liaison and collaboration with other records management institutions, and exchange and cooperation on records management, etc.

Its English title used to be the National Archives and Records Service until September 18, 2007.

Historical Background and Summary

The National Archives of Korea (NAK), an essential institution for preserving and managing Korea’s historical and governmental records, has evolved significantly since its establishment. It traces its origins to the Filming Section of the Cabinet Secretariat, created in 1962 under the General Affairs Department. Initially tasked with microfilming critical government archives, the organization took its first steps toward systematic records management.

In 1969, the NAK was officially reorganized as the Government Archives & Records Service, affiliated with the Ministry of Government Administration. This marked the beginning of centralized preservation and management of governmental documents, setting the stage for the institution's future development (National Archives of Korea, Timeline).

The NAK underwent a transformative phase in 2004 when it was renamed the National Archives of Korea. This change reflected its expanded mandate and vision for managing records of national significance. The introduction of the Act on the Management of Presidential Archives in 2007 further solidified its role, enabling the opening of the Presidential Archives to house records specific to presidential administrations (National Archives of Korea, Timeline).

In 2008, the NAK expanded its international presence by hosting a global conference and unveiling the Nara Repository, a state-of-the-art facility for record preservation. These efforts culminated in successfully hosting the International Council on Archives (ICA) General Meeting in 2011 and the ICA Congress 2016, which received widespread praise for its organizational excellence (National Archives of Korea, ICA Congress).

The NAK’s mission extends beyond archival preservation to promoting public access and participation. It maintains multiple systems, including the Records Management System (RMS), Archives Management System (AMS), and National Archives Portal System (NAPS). These platforms enable efficient management, long-term preservation, and public accessibility of records, ensuring that citizens and researchers can benefit from the archives (National Archives of Korea).

Adapting to Technological Advancements

The NAK has embraced modern technologies to address the challenges of digital transformation and ensure the integrity and accessibility of records. Its efforts reflect a commitment to staying at the forefront of archival innovation while safeguarding Korea’s historical and governmental legacy.

Digital Records Management:

The NAK has transitioned from traditional paper-based recordkeeping to a fully electronic management system. Its Records Management System (RMS) electronically acquires, evaluates, preserves, and transfers records from public agencies. Similarly, the Archives Management System (AMS) safeguards permanent records with advanced measures to ensure their authenticity, reliability, and availability. These systems provide robust digital infrastructure for managing and preserving records in a rapidly evolving technological landscape (National Archives of Korea, Records Management Systems).

RFID and Integrated Processes:

One of the NAK’s groundbreaking initiatives includes the adoption of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in document management. The NAK has streamlined its document processes by implementing RFID, enabling real-time tracking, enhanced security, and end-to-end integration. This technology ensures precision and efficiency in managing large volumes of archival material (National Archives of Korea, U-AMS based on RFID).

Blockchain Innovations:

Since 2019, the NAK has been pioneering the use of blockchain technology to address the challenges posed by the digital transition. Blockchain's decentralized and tamper-proof features make it a powerful tool for ensuring the authenticity and integrity of digital records. Key blockchain applications include:

1. Authenticity of Audiovisual Archives: Large audiovisual records, traditionally challenging to authenticate, are now managed using blockchain's transaction audit trails. This innovation ensures a verifiable history of changes and maintains the integrity of these records.

2. Integrity of Government Datasets: Blockchain verifies the integrity of datasets produced by various government systems, safeguarding them against forgery or tampering.

These initiatives address the increasing complexity of managing digital records and reinforce the NAK’s role as a trusted custodian of Korea’s historical legacy (Wang & Yang).

Motivations and Challenges:

The NAK’s shift to blockchain is motivated by the rapid digitization of governmental processes, which has resulted in massive volumes of electronic records. Traditional methods are inadequate for ensuring the authenticity of such records, prompting the NAK to adopt innovative solutions.

However, implementing blockchain is not without challenges. Existing government systems require substantial modifications to integrate blockchain and establishing a decentralized blockchain network demands collaboration among multiple agencies (Lee & Tough). Despite these obstacles, the NAK remains committed to exploring the potential of blockchain, including the development of a “digital record” blockchain for directly storing electronic records.

Objectives and Global Impact:

The NAK’s broader objectives include enhancing public trust in government through reliable records management, building an advanced archival infrastructure, and promoting Korea’s archival culture on the global stage. By leveraging technology, the NAK aims to lead in knowledge preservation and contribute to the global archival community. Its initiatives underscore Korea’s commitment to preserving its heritage while adapting to the demands of a rapidly evolving information society.

In summary, the National Archives of Korea represents a dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation. Its historical journey reflects a steadfast dedication to preserving the nation’s legacy, while its embrace of cutting-edge technologies ensures its relevance in the digital age. Through initiatives like blockchain integration and RFID adoption, the NAK is setting a benchmark for modern archival practices and shaping the future of records management in Korea and beyond.

• List of national archives
• Ministry of the Interior (South Korea)

• (in Korean) Official website
• (in English) English website
• (in Korean) Nara Repository in Seongnam city
• (in Korean) History Repository in Busan metropolitan city
• (in Korean) Presidential Archives in Seongnam city
• (in Korean) National Archives Portal

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