Yang Namsuk Recognized as Honorary Holder of 'Dolsilnai' Intangible Cultural Heritage

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Chunsu] Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do announced on the 28th that Yang Namsuk (78, female) from Seokgok-myeon, a transmission education assistant for Gokseong Dolsilnai, has been recognized as an honorary holder of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The ‘Dolsil’ in Dolsilnai is the old name of Seokgok-myeon, and ‘Nai’ is a word derived from the old expression ‘berel nada’ meaning to weave a loom.

Dolsilnai has long been known as a synonym for hemp cloth due to its excellent and delicate quality. Recognizing this excellence, it has been designated as National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 140 for hemp weaving, along with Andongpo weaving, by the Cultural Heritage Administration.

Since the passing of the skill holder Kim Jeomsun in 2008, the legacy of Dolsilnai has been carried on by Yang Namsuk, a transmission education assistant from Seokgok-myeon, Gokseong-gun.

The National Intangible Cultural Heritage system has a hierarchy where the holder, called a human cultural asset, is at the top, and among the disciples who learned skills from the holder, outstanding individuals are called transmission education assistants.

Below them are the licensees, forming a transmission system. Holders who find it difficult to continue transmission education and activities due to old age or other reasons are honored as honorary holders in recognition of their contributions.

However, there has been a consistent opinion that transmission education assistants who have been active for a long time should also be recognized as honorary holders if they find it difficult to continue transmission activities.

As a result, in 2018, the ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage Act’ was amended to allow transmission education assistants to be recognized as honorary holders, and Ms. Yang has now been recognized as an honorary holder.

A county official stated, “We thank honorary holder Yang Namsuk, who is doing her best to pass on Dolsilnai despite her advanced age,” and added, “Our county will also make every effort to ensure that intangible cultural heritage transmission activities are well carried out.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.