Since May 17, 2024, South Korea has officially renamed “Cultural Heritage” to “National Heritage.”
This shift reflects a broader recognition of the nation’s historical, artistic, academic, and natural legacies—not just as relics of the past, but as living pillars of national identity and global contribution. The former Cultural Heritage Administration now operates under the name National Heritage Administration, embracing a wider, more integrated approach to heritage management.
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| What is Korea's National Heritage |
1. What Is National Heritage?
Korea’s National Heritage refers to assets of profound value across history, the arts, scholarship, and nature—recognized for their importance to the nation, its people, and the global community.
These assets are classified into several major categories:
■ Tangible Heritage
Includes physically existing items like architecture, documents, artworks, and crafts.
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National Treasures: About 345 items designated as the highest level of recognition.
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Treasures: Over 2,000 items recognized for their historical and artistic merit.
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Historic Sites: Around 521 culturally significant locations including ancient tombs, palaces, and fortress remains.
■ Intangible Heritage
Cultural expressions that exist in non-physical form—such as traditional dance, music, theater, and artisan skills. These represent Korea’s creative and spiritual legacy.
■ Folk Heritage
Includes everyday life traditions—clothing, tools, housing, and rituals—that reflect the lifestyle and beliefs of past generations.
■ Natural Heritage
Covers natural phenomena preserved in their original form, including:
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Scenic Sites (Myeongseung): Around 138 places of exceptional natural beauty.
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Natural Monuments: Approximately 480 locations including rare species habitats, geological formations, and ancient trees.
2. Regional Heritage: Locally Designated Cultural Assets
In addition to national designations, cities and provinces independently recognize assets with local significance. These include:
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Provincial/City-Designated Heritage: Cultural properties officially acknowledged by local governments.
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Cultural Heritage Materials: Items with preservation value, though not nationally or regionally designated.
Each region maintains its own registry, and the figures are constantly updated—check with local government portals or the National Heritage Administration for the latest data.
3. National Registered Heritage
This category focuses on modern and contemporary cultural assets, typically over 50 years old, that may not qualify as formal heritage designations but still require preservation.
In May 2024, this category was renamed from “National Registered Cultural Properties” to National Registered Heritage.
Examples include early 20th-century schools, industrial buildings, or modern architectural landmarks tied to Korea’s modernization era.
4. Korea’s UNESCO Heritage Participation
South Korea actively contributes to UNESCO’s global preservation programs, maintaining significant entries in both the World Heritage Sites and Memory of the World registers.
■ UNESCO World Heritage (16 total)
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Cultural Sites (14): From royal palaces to Buddhist temples, these sites showcase Korea’s rich civilization.
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Natural Sites (2): Includes the Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes, a globally recognized geological marvel.
■ Memory of the World (20 entries)
This program safeguards humanity’s documentary legacy. Recent additions include:
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Jeju 4·3 Records
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Records of Korea’s Forest Restoration
These additions reflect not only historical tragedy and resilience but also Korea’s ecological recovery efforts.
5. UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)
Korea is home to 12 cities recognized by UNESCO for excellence in creativity and cultural industries. Each city contributes to global sustainability through its creative sector:
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Seoul (Design)
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Icheon / Jeju / Tongyeong (Crafts and Folk Art)
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Jeonju / Gangneung (Gastronomy)
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Busan (Film)
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Gwangju / Goyang (Media Arts)
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Bucheon / Wonju (Literature)
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Daegu (Music)
Each city reflects a unique cultural ecosystem—be it design, cuisine, literature, or music—actively engaging in cultural diplomacy and innovation.
Why This Change Matters
This transition from “Cultural” to “National” Heritage isn’t just semantic. It emphasizes the integrated, living role heritage plays in national identity, global dialogue, and sustainable cultural development. It also aligns Korea’s terminology more closely with global standards, strengthening its presence in the international heritage discourse.
If you're curious to explore more about Korea’s National Heritage or planning to visit one of these designated sites, check the National Heritage Administration website for real-time updates and detailed archives.
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| Heritage Korea |
This content was prepared by me, a university History major, and reviewed by my wife, who currently works as a professional tourist interpreter.