[National Heritage Era] Into the History of 'Cultural Heritage'... Aligning with International Standards ①

The Concept of 'Yusan' Encompassing Past, Present, and Future
Divided into Cultural Heritage, Natural Heritage, and Intangible Heritage
Protection and Management of Non-Designated Cultural Heritage Now Possible
"We Will Establish New Roles and Values for National Heritage"

The term 'Munhwajae (文化財)' that has been used for over half a century is disappearing into history. Instead, 'Yusan (遺産·Heritage)', encompassing the past, present, and future, is emerging.

On the 30th, a reenactment of the king and queen's stroll took place at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Jongno-gu, Seoul, during the 2018 Royal Culture Festival. The Royal Culture Festival, the largest cultural heritage festival in Korea, is held against the beautiful backdrop of the four grand palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung) and Jongmyo Shrine, and will continue until the 6th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Both the terminology and classification system are changing for the first time in about 62 years. The widely used term 'Munhwajae' was established based on the Cultural Heritage Protection Act enacted in 1962, which was modeled after Japanese law. However, it has been continuously pointed out that the term, which strongly implies 'past artifacts' or 'goods,' is inappropriate for referring to artisans or natural objects and needs improvement.

The Cultural Heritage Administration has been discussing plans to revise the terminology and classification system since 2005. After gathering opinions from various sectors and undergoing review by the Cultural Heritage Committee in 2022, it agreed to transition to a national heritage system.

The alternative term 'Yusan' is an international standard. It is used by almost all countries according to the UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage established in 1972. Depending on its nature, it is divided into cultural heritage, natural heritage, and intangible heritage.

The Cultural Heritage Administration applies the concept as is, considering its connection with the international community. The 'National Heritage Basic Act,' passed by the National Assembly plenary session in April last year, defines it as "cultural heritage, natural heritage, and intangible heritage that are national, ethnic, or global heritages formed artificially or naturally, with significant historical, artistic, academic, or scenic value." Accordingly, existing tangible cultural heritage, intangible cultural heritage, monuments, and folk cultural heritage are broadly classified into cultural heritage, natural heritage, and intangible heritage starting from the 17th.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Cultural heritage includes tangible cultural heritage such as national treasures and treasures, folk cultural heritage, and historic sites. Natural heritage encompasses natural monuments and scenic sites, while intangible heritage includes traditional arts and customs related to food, clothing, and shelter.

The Cultural Heritage Administration will also change the names of cultural heritage used in various laws to heritage. For example, National Intangible Cultural Heritage, National Folk Cultural Heritage, Registered Cultural Heritage, and Buried Cultural Heritage will be replaced by National Intangible Heritage, National Folk Heritage, Registered Heritage, and Buried Heritage, respectively.

The National Heritage Basic Act also contains legal grounds for protecting and managing undesignated heritage. The scope of protection, which has focused on designated and registered cultural heritage, will expand to include heritage with potential value and undesignated cultural heritage. Undesignated cultural heritage refers to heritage not designated or registered by the state or local governments. It has been criticized for being neglected in management blind spots. Under the new system, even if not designated as city or provincial heritage, if recognized as necessary for local culture or natural preservation, it can be designated and managed as cultural heritage materials or natural heritage materials.

On the 4th, finishing work is in full swing at the restoration site of the Gwanghwamun Woldae in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The Cultural Heritage Administration plans to complete the restoration work of the Gwanghwamun Woldae within this month. Woldae refers to the wide platform seen at Geunjeongjeon, the main hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the main hall of Jongmyo Shrine. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

The National Heritage Basic Act is also notable for explicitly stating industrial promotion. It includes the provision that "industries utilizing national heritage should be encouraged to create new added value through the development, production, and distribution of content or products mediated by national heritage." Going forward, the paradigm will expand beyond preservation and regulation-oriented policies to create and enhance future value that benefits the public. Accordingly, events utilizing national heritage will increase, and industries and technologies using related data are expected to rise.

Choi Eung-cheon, Administrator of the Cultural Heritage Administration, promised, "We will focus all our capabilities on creating new value for national heritage and promoting public benefits." He added, "We will shift policy directions to align with the changing policy environment and UNESCO international standards to establish new roles and values for national heritage."

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