'Hanji, Traditional Knowledge and Techniques' UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Challenge

Submission of Registration Application by March Next Year
2026 Application Target is 'Insam Culture'

Knowledge and techniques related to Hanji (Korean traditional paper) are challenging to be inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

On the 14th, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced that at the Cultural Heritage Committee meeting held on the 13th at the National Palace Museum, 'Hanji, traditional knowledge and techniques' was selected as the candidate for the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for next year. The application will be prepared and submitted to UNESCO by the end of March next year. The inscription decision will be made at the 21st Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage to be held in 2026.

Hanji is traditional paper made primarily from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree (daknamu) and the mitsumata shrub (hwangchokgyu). Its production requires skilled techniques and dedication. It undergoes about twenty processes, including raw material processing, pounding dak fibers, sheet formation, and drying. Since most of the work is done by hand, the production cost is relatively high. Due to the competition from cheap imported paper, demand has decreased, and the number of artisans designated as National Intangible Cultural Heritage holders, known as 'Hanji-jang (Hanji craftsmen),' is also declining. However, Hanji is regarded as an important traditional material that enhances the value and authenticity of cultural heritage, and it embodies the practical traditional knowledge of ancestors who used natural resources to make daily necessities, thus holding high transmission value.

The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "The tradition, which was once produced at the rural unit level, continues today in the form of social cooperative organizations within villages, well representing community culture. Besides its traditional uses, Hanji is also utilized in various fields such as cultural heritage restoration and repair, as well as doll and clothing production," emphasizing its sufficient value as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Meanwhile, following Hanji, the Cultural Heritage Committee selected 'Ginseng Culture: A Culture of Caring for and Appreciating Nature and Family (Community)' as the next candidate for the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity to be prepared for 2026. Although there is a National Intangible Cultural Heritage titled 'Ginseng Cultivation and Medicinal Culture,' the preparation highlights its significance as an important heritage demonstrating the traditional Korean values of filial piety (hyo) and family or culture. The final inscription decision is expected in 2028.

Since 2001, starting with 'Jongmyo Jerye and Jongmyo Jeryeak' (Royal Ancestral Ritual and Music at Jongmyo Shrine), South Korea holds twenty-two items on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, including last year's inscription of 'Korean Mask Dance.' At the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage to be held at the end of next year, 'Korean Fermented Soybean Paste Culture,' highlighting traditional jang (fermented sauces) culture, may also be added.

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