This is a wonderful little piece of Korean cultural history that needs to be taken care of far better. Wood (especially varieties of Teak) can last hundreds of years with the right care and these cultural timepieces is something that even future generations should get a chance to cherish and admire.

Rather than paint it, the authorities should periodically clean and give the building a coat of polish that will restore shine but not cover the underlying pattern and intricacies of the wood itself.