opinion

National heritage involves tangible, intangible and natural heritage elements.

Intangible cultural heritage is the spiritual and cultural asset created by a nation in the course of historical development.

In other words, it is a legacy created and constantly conveyed in the mental and cultural realms of humans, including traditional customs, social conditions, knowledge and talents, and means and tools associated with it, which a certain social group, organization or individual recognizes as part of their culture.

The intangible cultural heritage is classified into old folk traditions, social customs, rituals and working life habits, and traditional arts, traditional cooking methods and dietary customs and traditional medicine and handicrafts according to objects and characteristics.

In October 2003, UNESCO adopted the International Convention on the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage with an eye to protecting intangible cultural heritage, respecting it, raising the awareness of its significance and promoting international cooperation in this field.

According to the convention, signatories have to promote the education and awareness of intangible cultural heritage and its protection and increase the capacity of management and scientific research related to the protection, by various means necessary for national registration of the intangible cultural heritage and protection in the territories of the relevant countries.

The DPRK acceded to the UNESCO International Convention for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008.

Nationally registered ICH elements amount to more than 140, of which four excellent ones--folk song “Arirang”, the kimchi-making practice, national sport ssirum and practice of making Pyongyang cold noodles--were inscribed on the UNESCO’s Representative List of ICH of Humanity respectively in 2014, 2015, 2018 and 2022.  

At present, our country is actively conducting the unearthing, historical research, deliberation and registration, protection and management, introduction and dissemination of ICH elements.

Recently, the technology of making tanchong pigment, the legend of Mt Chilbo and the method of making yanggum were newly registered as such elements.

Efforts are being made to realize cultural exchange through festivals, seminars, exhibitions, presentations and short courses and contribute to the inheritance and development of heritage.