UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Introduction

UNESCO listed intangible cultural heritage is also protected as national intangible cultural heritage (excluding falconry). You can check the national cultural heritage (intangible) listings for detailed descriptions or click on the names below.

Arirang (2012)

Lyrical folk song.

Cheoyongmu (2009)

Court dance.

Daemokjang (2010)

Traditional wooden architecture.

Falconry, a living human heritage (2021)

A joint application by the UAE, Austrlia, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Morocco, Netherlands, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Spain and the Syrian Arab Republic. Not protected specifically as South Korea intangible cultural heritage.

Gagok (2010)

Lyrical song cycles with orchestral accompaniment.

Ganggangsullae (2009)

Seasonal harvest and fertility ritual.

Gangneung Danoje Festival (2008)

Jeju Chilmeoridang Yeongdeeunggut (2009)

Jeju Haenyo Culture (2016)

Jang making knowledge, beliefs and practices (2024)

Jongmyo Shrine ancestral ritual and music (2008)

The Jongmyo Jerye ritual and the Jongmye Jeryeak music.

Jultagi (2011)

Tightrope walking.

Kimjang (2013)

Making and sharing kimchi.

Mosi weaving (2011)

Namsadang Nori (2009)

Folk performance.

Nongak (2014)

Community band music, dance and rituals - see Jinju Samcheon Po Nongak, Pyeongtaek Nongak, Iri Nogak, Gangneung Nongak, Imsil Pilbong Nongak, Gurye Jansu Nongak, Gimcheon Geumneung Binnae Nongak and Namwon Nongak.

Pansori (2008)

Epic chant.

Taekkyeon (2011)

Traditional martial art.

Talchum (2022)

Mask dance drama - see Bongsan Talchum, Eunyul Talchum and Gangnyeong Talchum.

Traditional Korean Wrestling (2018)

Tugging Rituals and Games (2015)

A joint application by Cambodia, Philippines, South Korea and Vietnam - see Gijisi Juldarigi and Yeongsan Juldarigi.

Yeondeunghoe (2020)

Lotus Lantern Festival.

Yeongsanjae (2009)

Buddhist re-enactment.

References/Further Reading

Korea Heritage Service (2006) Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Korea National Commission for UNESCO (2026) Intangible Cultural Heritage.