Brisk activities are conducted to properly preserve and manage historical relics and remains in the DPRK. According to Kim Chol Ryong, an official of the National Authority for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, dozens of historical buildings were restored, earth was piled up over several hundred metres and turf was planted and tourist roads spanning dozens of kilometres were upgraded in the first half of this year. In Pyongyang three historical buildings including the Ryongwang Pavilion were done up and the renovation of the exterior, archery field and folk game ground of the Rangnang Museum is being pushed at the final stage. Tree planting is going on simultaneously to spruce up the surrounding environment. Repairs of historical sites are also carried on in Kaesong which has numerous historical relics and remains including twelve elements listed as world heritage sites. Special attention is being paid to carefully preserving the Mausoleum of King Wang Kon, founder of Koryo, the first unified state in Korean history. Measures were taken to preserve intact the murals in the chamber and thousands of metres of road sections to the mausoleum were upgraded. The Koryo Museum in the city restored Taesong and Myongryun halls to their original state. Kangwon Province is pressing ahead with the restoration of eight objects in the Sogwang Temple. The temple in Solbong-ri of Kosan County is a cultural legacy showing the fine architecture in the period between the late Koryo era and the feudal Joson dynasty. Most of its buildings were destroyed during the Fatherland Liberation War. Since the war, the restoration project has been carried on. At present, construction is underway for Sansin and Pi pavilions and the interiors of the main building of Taeung Hall and Simgom and Sugun halls as well. By Jong Chol PT