'Korean Intangible Heritage Week' to Be Held in Toronto, Canada Next Month

Exhibitions, Performances, and Hands-on Experiences to Be Presented Over 13 Days Starting on the 11th

The National Heritage Administration and the National Heritage Center announced on the 27th that they will hold the 'Korean Intangible Heritage Week' in Toronto, Canada, from September 11 to 23.

'Korean Intangible Heritage Week' Poster
[Photo by National Heritage Administration]

This event introduces Korea's intangible heritage and traditional culture abroad for a specific period. It has previously been held in Belgium, France, and Argentina, attracting significant attention. This year, Korean culture will be showcased in Toronto through exhibitions, performances, and hands-on activities.

The exhibition, themed 'A Day in the Life of Mrs. Kim,' will take place at the Alta Gallery in the Distillery District. It will present Korean women's quarters culture and traditional crafts from the perspective of the fictional character 'Mrs. Kim,' expressing the life, wisdom, and beauty of women. A total of 192 works by artisans will be displayed, including traditional hanbok by Koo Hyeja, a holder of the National Intangible Heritage for needlework; a wedding chest by Hong Jeongsil, a holder of the National Intangible Heritage for embroidery; and a comb case by Kim Geukcheon, a holder of the National Intangible Heritage for metal crafts.

On September 13 and 14, traditional craft and hanbok-wearing experiences will be offered at the Royal Ontario Museum, the largest museum in Canada.

The traditional arts performance will be held at the Meridian Arts Centre on September 13. Titled 'Life, Time, Arirang,' it aims to promote Arirang, a community category of National Intangible Heritage. Kim Ilgu, a holder of the National Intangible Heritage for pansori, and Lee Chunhee, a holder of the National Intangible Heritage for Gyeonggi folk songs, will perform traditional Arirang. The fusion gugak group Yegyeol Band, contemporary dancer Park Cheolwoo, composer Won Il, and the National Heritage Center Art Troupe will also participate, presenting a modern reinterpretation of Arirang.

An official from the National Heritage Administration said, "We hope this will be a special opportunity for local residents to enjoy and understand Korean traditional culture."

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