Digital Reconstruction and Utilization Strategies for Archaeological Landscapes: A Case Study of the Daegok-ri Site in Suncheon

This study explores methods and processes for digitally reconstructing archaeological landscapes, focusing on the Daegok-ri site in Suncheon, and examines potential applications of such reconstructions. Study on the restoration and digital representation of heritage sites using digital technology has been steadily progressing both domestically and internationally. Notable international examples include the Rome Reborn Project, while domestic projects such as the Hanyangdoseong Time Machine and the Gyeongju Seorabeol Millennium Time Travel exemplify this trend. These large-scale projects have primarily been conducted by IT companies or a limited number of researchers, making digital approaches in archaeology challenging for those less familiar with digital technologies. To facilitate easier digital reconstruction of archaeological landscapes by researchers, a step-by-step study was conducted. The subject of this study is the Daegok-ri site in Suncheon, which is currently submerged, rendering visual observation of the landscape difficult. Visualization was performed by incorporating archaeological data, paleoenvironmental information, and paleotopographic analysis. The site was reconstructed using GIS, 3D graphics technology, real-time rendering engines, and 3D modeling assets, enhancing its value for various applications. From an academic perspective, the visual representation of the surrounding environment and the spatial relationships between Bronze Age pit houses and dolmens aids in research comprehension. Practically, the reconstruction can be utilized as educational and exhibition material through virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). It can also contribute to cultural heritage preservation by being developed into virtual tourism resources or immersive extended reality (XR) content. To achieve this, establishing 3D modeling platforms and systematic archiving systems for data sharing is essential. For instance, if platforms similar to the Cultural Heritage Administration's National Heritage Portal's 3D Cultural Heritage section or the Korea Cultural Information Service's Metaverse Data Lab, which provide 3D modeling asset data, are developed for archiving and public sharing, study on the digital restoration and representation of archaeological sites will become more active.