National Heritage Administration Presents First "Trainees of the Year" Awards for Intangible Heritage

Gyeonggi Folk Song, Salpuri Dance, Gangnyeong Mask Dance, and More

National Heritage Administration Building Exterior

For the first time, next-generation successors who are carrying on national intangible heritage will receive awards at the national level.

The National Heritage Administration announced on the 23rd that it has selected five individuals with outstanding skills as "Trainees of the Year" from among the 342 people who passed this year's national intangible heritage trainee evaluation. This award was established this year, and Director Heo Min of the National Heritage Administration will present the honors at the National Intangible Heritage Center in Jeonju on this day.

In the field of traditional music, awardee Jeon Byeonghun, a Gyeonggi folk song trainee, learned the 12 Japga from holder Lee Hoyoun and won the top prize at the Jeonju Daesaseupnori. Song Hyojin, a Salpuri dance trainee, trained for 25 years under the late holder Jeong Myungsuk, while Kim Jintae, a Gangnyeong Mask Dance trainee, is currently active as a mask dancer on both domestic and international stages.

The list of awardees also includes artisans who are continuing family legacies. Pyo Younggwang, a string instrument maker trainee, has devoted himself to the production and restoration of string instruments for 20 years, following in the footsteps of his uncle, holder Pyo Taeseon. Yang Yongeun, a Jindo Ssitgimgut trainee and daughter-in-law of the late holder Park Byeongcheon, is responsible for passing down the ritual.

The National Heritage Administration plans to strengthen content development and support so that these individuals can continue their activities.

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