Safeguarding of the ICH in Korea

In 1962, Korea enacted Cultural Properties Protection Act No. 961,the objective of which is to “strive for the cultural improvement of the people and to contribute to the development of human culture, by inheriting the native culture through the preservation of cultural properties so as to ensure their utilization”. The Act distinguishes four categories: Important Tangible Cultural Properties, Important Intangible Cultural Properties, Folk Cultural Properties, and Monuments.

　　The protection and designation of Important Intangible Cultural Properties and of the corresponding holders started in 1964, when the Royal Ancestral Ritual Music in Jongmyo Shrine and the Epic Chant Pansori (proclaimed Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2001 and in 2003 respectively) were designated as Important Intangible Cultural Properties. Since 1964, holders (LINK see below for the explanation of this term) have transmitted their knowledge and skills to new holders.

　　Safeguarding activities

The Cultural Properties Administration is responsible for ensuring that the safeguarding activities for the designated Intangible Cultural Properties are carried out effectively, in cooperation with holders.

　　Education

A Heritage Education Center of Intangible Cultural Properties has been established. Furthermore, in order to raise the awareness of the younger generation on the importance of Intangible Cultural Properties, the government supports social educational programmes, the production of textbooks, and activities implemented by schools that are twinned with Important Intangible Cultural Properties organizations.

　　Support to performances and exhibitions

Support is given to events such as performances and exhibitions of holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties, handicrafts tournaments and local festivals. Among others, a public event is organized annually in order to raise awareness and appreciation among the general public, who are shown how the holders and qualified trainers maintain and improve their techniques and skills. Another important function of this public event is that the members of the Cultural Properties Committee and other professionals evaluate the events, to see if the holders have well preserved their skills, and to judge the level of their training programmes.

　　Documentation activities

The Cultural Properties Administration endeavors to create audio-visual records of the performances by the holders. About 10 audio-visual records are produced annually.

A booklet is published annually by the Cultural Properties Administration providing information on all designated items and holders.