Jangseong County to Pursue First Designation of Local Cultural Heritage... Uncovering Hidden Treasures

by Song Bohyeon

Published 12 Mar.2025 09:02(KST)

Updated 27 Jul.2025 16:12(KST)

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Discovery of Cultural Heritage and Traditional Techniques Before 1950

Jangseong County in Jeollanam-do is set to designate local cultural heritage for the first time in its history. The initiative aims to discover hidden cultural assets in the region, systematically protect and utilize them, and thereby establish a strong local identity.

Aerial view of Jangseong County Office, Jeonnam.

According to the county on the 12th, local cultural heritage refers to assets of high historical, artistic, or academic value that have not been designated under the National Heritage Basic Act or the Jeollanam-do Cultural Heritage Protection Ordinance. These are divided into tangible and intangible heritage. Tangible cultural heritage includes buildings constructed before 1950, historical records and books, paintings and sculptures, archaeological materials, fortresses, scenic sites, habitats of native plants and animals, and folk materials.

Intangible cultural heritage targets individuals who have been engaged for over 20 years in fields such as music, dance, craft techniques, rituals, games, martial arts, and food preparation that are distinctive to the region. Residents who are over 40 years old, have lived in Jangseong County for more than five years, and possess certain qualifications may be designated.

The county will accept applications for the designation of local cultural heritage from owners and managers until the end of this month. The process will include an initial review of basic materials, a second round of expert investigations, and an analysis of academic value. Final designation will be made through deliberation by the Jangseong County Local Cultural Heritage Review Committee.

County Governor Kim Hanjong stated, "We will strive to ensure that the first local cultural heritage designated in the county becomes a valuable historical and cultural asset for the region."