The Unique Tradition of 'Hwalssoki' Designated as National Intangible Cultural Heritage

"Traditional Bow and Arrow Making Methods Preserved to Date, Significant in Martial Arts History"
"Consideration of the Continuity Across Generations and the Spread of Tangible and Intangible Culture"

The act of shooting a bow

The cultural asset unique to Korea, ‘Hwalssoki’ (traditional Korean archery), has been registered as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

On the 30th, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced that ‘Hwalssoki’ was designated as National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 142. Although it is an activity enjoyed worldwide, it was recognized for its long history and unique characteristics in the way the bow is handled and shot.

‘Hwalssoki’ boasts a long history, appearing in Goguryeo murals such as ‘Muyongchong’ and ‘Hunting Paintings.’ There are also abundant tangible assets like bows, arrows, and archery ranges. An official explained, “The methods of making bows and arrows have been passed down to the present day, and it holds significant importance in the history of Korean martial arts, which fully justifies its value as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.” They added, “The decision was also influenced by the fact that the tradition has been continuously maintained across generations and that tangible and intangible culture has spread centered around archery ranges nationwide.”

Archery in the 'Danwon Pungsokdo Album'

‘Hwalssoki’ refers to the act of standing on a shooting platform (sadae) and shooting arrows at a target using a traditional bow. It was officially registered as an event at the 1928 National Sports Festival. The bow (gakgung) is made using mulberry wood, horn, cow tendons, and dried fish swim bladders, giving it excellent elasticity. The arrow tips resemble willow leaves and are called yuyeopjeon.

Archery ranges nationwide not only teach how to handle and shoot the bow but also propagate the mindset of archery called ‘Gungdogugyehun (弓道九戒訓)’ and technical norms known as ‘Jipgungjewonchik (執弓諸原則).’ ‘Gungdogugyehun’ contains nine teachings, including maintaining proper body and mind, practicing kindness and love, valuing dignity, and upholding integrity and loyalty. An official stated, “We plan to support academic research and programs to revitalize transmission so that the public can share the value of ‘Hwalssoki’ and participate in its preservation.”

The designated name ‘Hwalssoki’ is a pure Korean word confirmed in Goryeo and Joseon dynasty documents. Since it is a culture enjoyed by everyone, no specific holders or holder groups were recognized. Other National Intangible Cultural Heritages designated without recognizing holders or holder groups include Arirang, Jeda, Ssireum, Haenyeo, Kimchi making, salt production, Ondol culture, jang making, and traditional fishing methods such as Eosal.

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