Cambodia’s Angkor Wat Visitor Facilities Reopen Following South Korea-Led Renovation

SEOUL, Jan 31 (Bernama-Yonhap) -- South Korea's heritage authorities announced Friday that a section of the visitor facilities at Cambodia's Angkor Wat has reopened following renovations using Korean technology, Yonhap news agency reported.

South Korea has been working with Cambodia on the restoration and preservation of Angkor Wat since 2024, providing technical expertise and support to safeguard its cultural heritage.

As part of the cooperation project, new viewing stairs leading to the Bakan Tower have been installed, along with a walkway providing access to the southern pond, according to the Korea Heritage Service and its affiliate, the Korea Heritage Agency.

The southern pond, a popular vantage point offering a panoramic view of the temple complex, had been at risk of erosion due to increasing visitor traffic, raising concerns about its long-term preservation.

"We have renovated the visitor facilities using Korean technology. This is expected to enhance both safety and convenience for visitors," a Korea Heritage Agency official said.

Angkor Wat is widely regarded as Cambodia’s most significant archaeological and cultural landmark.

The Angkor region, which served as the capital of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th centuries, is home to over 1,000 temples, including Angkor Wat, Bayon, Preah Khan and Ta Prohm.

In 1992, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in recognition of its cultural and artistic significance.

The Korea Heritage Agency plans to repair and renovate the Bakan platform of Angkor Wat by 2026, in collaboration with the APSARA National Authority, the Cambodian government agency responsible for Angkor's preservation and management.

-- BERNAMA-YONHAP