South Korea Elected as a Member of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee

Third Election Following 2008 and 2014
Participation in Decisions Including Registration on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List

[Image source=Yonhap News]

South Korea has been elected as a member country of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The term is four years, until 2024.

On the 10th (local time), South Korea was elected as a member of the Asia-Pacific group, surpassing India, with the support of 80 countries at the 8th General Assembly of the States Parties to the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Paris. This is the third time South Korea has been elected as a member of the UNESCO Intangible Heritage Committee, following 2008 and 2014. The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "This result recognizes our efforts in the trust fund projects for the protection of intangible cultural heritage and our commitment to implementing the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage."

The UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is an organization that decides on the inscription of intangible cultural heritage on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It was established based on the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Committee members cannot be re-elected immediately and must take a two-year break after their term ends. They participate in decisions such as the inscription of intangible cultural heritage on the Representative List, submission of amendments to the operational guidelines of the Convention, approval of international aid exceeding $100,000, and review of the intangible heritage fund usage plans.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

South Korea holds twenty items of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. These include Jongmyo Jeryeak (2001), Pansori (2003), Gangneung Danoje Festival (2005), Ganggangsullae, Namsadang Nori, Yeongsanjae, Jeju Chilmeoridang Yeongdeunggut, Cheoyongmu (all 2009), Gagok, Daemokjang, Falconry (all 2010), Taekkyeon, Jultagi, Hansan Mosi weaving (all 2011), Arirang (2012), Kimjang Culture (2013), Nongak (2014), Juldarigi (2015), Jeju Haenyeo Culture (2016), and Ssireum (North-South joint inscription, 2018). Cultural heritages currently being promoted for inscription include Yeondeunghoe (National Intangible Cultural Property No. 122), Korean Mask Dance (including 13 types of National Intangible Cultural Properties), and Jang (fermented sauce) making (National Intangible Cultural Property No. 137).

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