'Yeondeunghoe' Inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage... Korea Holds 21 Cultural Heritage Items

Evaluated as a Best Practice at the 15th Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Korea's 'Yeondeunghoe' has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the 16th (local time), at the 15th Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held via video conference, it was finally decided to inscribe 'Yeondeunghoe' on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. As a result, Korea now holds a total of 21 intangible cultural heritages of humanity, including 'Yeondeunghoe.'

The UNESCO Intangible Heritage Committee evaluated 'Yeondeunghoe' for its inclusiveness that has evolved over time, transcending boundaries of nationality, race, religion, and disability to showcase cultural diversity, as well as its important role in temporarily breaking down social barriers, sharing joy, and overcoming crises.

The committee particularly praised the nomination file for 'Yeondeunghoe' as an exemplary case that enhances visibility and awareness of the importance of intangible heritage.

The inscription of 'Yeondeunghoe' on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is an achievement realized through cooperation among the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Cultural Heritage Administration, and the Yeondeunghoe Preservation Committee from the preparation stage. Following Korea's election to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage Committee this year, it has become an opportunity to elevate Korea's influence and status in the field of intangible heritage.

Korea's UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage includes Jongmyo Jeryeak (2001), Pansori (2003), Gangneung Danoje (2005), Ganggangsullae, Namsadang Nori, Yeongsanjae, Jeju Chilmeoridang Yeongdeunggut, Cheoyongmu (2009), Gagok, Daemokjang, Falconry (2010), Taekkyeon, Jultagi, Hansan Mosi weaving (2011), Arirang (2012), Kimjang Culture (2013), Nongak (2014), Juldarigi (2015), Jeju Haenyeo Culture (2016), Ssireum (Inter-Korean joint, 2018), and Yeondeunghoe (2020).

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "The government will continue to make efforts to widely promote excellent traditional culture to the international community and contribute to the enhancement of cultural diversity and human creativity in accordance with the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage."

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