Since the feasibility for the application of laser to the conservation of artworks had been demonstrated by John F. Asmus at 1972 it was known from many experiments that laser cleaning technology Provided superior characteristics over conventional cleaning methods based on mechanical and chemical actions. Then, the research and development of the cleaning technology was carried out strongly in Europe and many successful cleaning applications such as stone, painting, stained glass, paper, leather, and metal have been reported. However this is not familiar as a cleaning tool in the restoration of artworks in oriental countries including Korea. Therefore, this article aims to introduce a laser cleaning technology and its characteristics for the applications to art restoration. The contents in this article include general principles and characteristics of laser, the introduction of laser cleaning technology, and real laser applications for artwork restoration.