Skip Navigation

home >FAQ >FAQ

FAQ

What are intangible cultural properties?

What are intangible cultural properties?

  • Cultural properties do not just include tangible and fixed cultural properties such as Seokguram Grotto or Namdaemun Gate. Traditional artistic activities and skills that cannot be seen but capture the cheerful spirit and graceful flavor of our nation, including songs, dances, dramas, plays and rituals, and craft skills, are also designated and protected as intangible cultural properties. 
  • If an item among intangible cultural properties has a significant historic, academic or artistic value and needs to be preserved to pass on to the next generation, the Administrator of the Cultural Heritage Administration designates it as an Important Intangible Cultural Heritage. As of July, 2004, 109 items have been designated as Important Intangible Cultural Heritage in the seven categories of music, dance, drama, plays and rituals, martial arts, craft skills and dishes since Jongmyo Jeryeak (Ritual Music at Jongmyo Shrine) was designated as Important Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 1 in 1964.


    Music
    Music

    Dance
    Dance

    Drama
    Drama

    Plays and Rituals
    Plays and Rituals

    Martial Arts
    Martial Arts

    Craft Skills
    Craft Skills

    Dishes
    Dishes