• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.17-28
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• 2011

This study was conducted to analyze the status of the traditional medicines registered by the Chinese state as intangible cultural heritages, and of Chinese acupuncture and moxibustion registered by UNESCO as world intangible cultural heritages in 2010, in connection with the need to have Traditional Korean Medicine skills similarly registered as world intangible cultural heritage items. Since UNESCO's adoption of the Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritages in 2003, the Chinese government has pushed ahead with efforts to explore and protect intangible cultural heritage items and have them registered as world intangible cultural heritages. Thus, Benchaogangmu (本草綱目) and Huangdineijing (黃帝內經) were listed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register while Chinese acupuncture and moxibustion were registered as world intangible cultural heritage properties. For Traditional Korean Medicine skills to be listed as world intangible cultural heritage properties, steps should be taken first to include the skills in the list of domestic intangible cultural heritage items and to make further explorations in the sector. Such efforts are also important in terms of the need to establish the legitimacy of Traditional Korean Medicines.

• Journal of Contemporary Eastern Asia
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.50-67
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• 2018

Heritage has entered the center stage of public diplomacy in East Asia. Competition to claim and interpret memories of World War II in East Asia has driven campaigns to list heritage items with UNESCO. State and non-state actors aim to use heritage listings to present a particular view of the war and related history to domestic and international audiences. This paper highlights the role of heritage soft power in East Asia's "memory contests" by examining the promotion of dissonant modern heritage in UNESCO's heritage programs. It conceptualizes heritage designation as a soft power resource in East Asia and presents a conceptual framework for understanding the hegemonic competition over the "memory regime" that emerged from the structural change in East Asia's regional order. It then uses this framework to analyze the processes by which state and non-state actors promote and/or object to UNESCO recognition of their sites and documents as heritage of outstanding universal value or world significance. The elements of this process are illustrated with case studies of two very different pieces of heritage, Japan's "Sites of the Meiji Industrial Revolution" and China's "Documents of Nanjing Massacre," which were enshrined as significant world heritage in 2015. While state and non-state actors in East Asia are increasingly recognizing the utility of heritage as a soft power resource for advancing specific historical narratives to an international audience, a backlash movement from civil society groups and governments in other countries prevents a purely unilateral interpretation. As a result, the utility of heritage soft power in this context must be significantly qualified.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.13-22
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• 2009

The registration of Dongeuibogam as UNESCO's Memory of world was not only a national triumph but also an internationally important event. This event got rid of the opinions that suggested Dongeuibogam was a medical system practiced only un the limited area of Korea and this event signified the restoration of Dongeuibogam's international and universal position. Therefore, ih is now our job to find Dongeuibogam's modern applications and restore its value. This study was carried out with the purpose of examining the significance of Dongeuibogam's registration as Memory of world from a medical history's point of view and finding its modern applications. The author discussed significance in three parts of Past Significance, Present Significance and Future Significance. As for modern applications, the author reviewed currently used applications and considered the possible ways to restore its original value as an alternative for future medical science.

• Journal of Korean Society of Archives and Records Management
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.183-193
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• 2005

A large part of the vast amounts of information produced in the world is born digital, and comes in a wide variety of formats: text, database, audio, film, image. During the meeting of the Organization's Executive Board in May 2001, Member States agreed on the need for rapid action to safeguard digital heritage. The interest of UNESCO in this situation comes as no surprise. UNESCO exists in part to encourage and enable the preservation and enjoyment of the cultural, scientific and information heritage of the world's peoples. The growth of digital heritage and its vulnerability could hardly go unnoticed. Our societies have witnessed the end of the paradigm of the written archive, a paradigm that had developed over hundreds of years. Throughout the twentieth century new media have wisely and modestly joined this prestigious tradition. This paradigm has already been transformed, and the devices in place are unable to deal with the brutal advance of information technologies, and the quantitative inflation which they cause. This goes beyond those institutions specializing in the management of memory: a whole new regime of information will have to be constructed, and quickly, completely transforming old memory and archiving systems. If this shift does not take place, our societies will suffer irremediable damage in their collective social memory.

• The Korean Journal of Archival Studies
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• no.78
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• pp.251-283
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• 2023

Compared to the word "memory" in general, the word "record" can be unfamiliar. This study addressed the problem that elementary school students do not have enough learning opportunities due to the lack of content on records in the curriculum. An educational program using Korea's UNESCO Memory of the world was conducted for three classes of 6th graders at J Elementary School, and the effect of the program was analyzed by administering pre- and post-surveys to students and in-depth interviews to teachers. The results of the student survey showed a significant improvement in their understanding, knowledge, satisfaction with the lessons, and need for records and Korean UNESCO Memory of the world. Teacher interviews confirmed the effect of the program, but suggested that it should be adjusted to fit the limited time available. Based on this, we verified the effect of the developed program and suggested directions for improvement of future record education programs.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.264-279
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• 2023

The 50th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention was in 2022. In order to reflect on the present and future of the meaning of World Heritage, this paper examines the development and changes of the UNESCO World Heritage system. After promulgating the convention in 1972, the UNESCO World Heritage system prioritized the protection of heritage sites in the world that were at risk due to armed conflicts and natural disasters to bequeath heritage to the next generation. In addition, the UNESCO World Heritage's emphasis on Outstanding Universal Value represents the particular culture of human beings formed during a certain period of time, and acts as a significant source of soft power in public diplomacy. The UNESCO World Heritage might be perceived as a shared heritage that has not only become a channel to understand various national values, but also an effective medium to convey one of UNESCO's main principles, that is, peacebuilding. However, the UNESCO World Heritage is now at the center of conflicts of heritage interpretation between many stakeholders related to invisible wars, such as cultural wars, memory wars, and history wars as the social, political, and cultural contexts concerning World Heritage have dramatically shifted with the passing of time. Paying attention to such changing contexts, this paper seeks to understand the main developments in UNESCO World Heritage's discourse concerning changes to the World Heritage Operation Guidelines and heritage experts' meetings by dividing its 50-year history into five phases. Next, this paper analyzes the main shifts in keywords related to UNESCO World Heritage through UNESDOC, which is a platform on which all UNESCO publications are available. Finally, this paper discusses three main changes of UNESCO World Heritage: 1) changes in focus in World Heritage inscriptions, 2) changes in perception of World Heritage protection, and 3) changes of view on the role of the stakeholders in World Heritage. It suggests new emerging issues regarding heritage interpretation and ethics, climate change, and human rights.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Costume
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• v.62 no.7
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• pp.133-149
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• 2012

Jikji, Memory of the World of UNESCO, the world's oldest extant movable metal print book, is a cultural heritage to give motivation for IT power of Korea. Although the cultural value of Jikji is understood in Korea, the value of cultural assets is not satisfactory and the commercialization is not sufficient. Furthermore, most Jikji product designs on the market are simple and limited mainly for the old generation. The purpose of this study is to design fashion-cultural products suitable for young people who will be responsible for this cultural inheritance. The methods of this study were to make the design development through literature research and a case study for Jikji products on the market. For developing the products suitable for young people, 308 university students in Chungju were surveyed. To express end products, computer graphic program, Illustrator CS5, was used. The results of this study showed that the products on the market were not targeted for use by young people. The younger generations want modern and interesting design. Among the 8 design motives that are planned for design development, the most preferred motive numbers, 3, 7, and 8, were used. Design items, such as scarf, wallet and t-shirts, were selected by the result of survey and 3 scarves, 4 wallets, 3 t-shirts, a total of 30 items were developed. The designed products in this study can inform the cultural resource of Korea and contribute to raise the cultural value if they are commercialized.

• Journal of Korean Society of Archives and Records Management
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.27-48
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• 2005

This study investigates the current preservation and management of four records and documentary heritage in Korea that is in the UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. The study analyzes their problems and corresponding solutions in digitizing those world records heritages. This study also reviews additional four documentary books in Korea that are in the wish list to add to UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. This study is organized as the following: Chapter 2 examines the value and meanings of world records and documentary heritage in Korea. The registry requirements and procedures of UNESCO's Memory of the World Register are examined. The currently registered records of Korea include Hunmin-Chongum, the Annals of the Choson Dynasty, the Diaries of the Royal Secretariat (Seungjeongwon Ilgi), and Buljo- Jikji-Simche-Yojeol (vol. II). These records heritage's worth and significance are carefully analyzed. For example, Hunmin-Chongum("訓民正音") is consisted of unique and systematic letters. Letters were delicately explained with examples in its original manual at the time of letter's creation, which is an unparalleled case in the world documentary history. The Annals of the Choson Dynasty("朝鮮王朝實錄") are the most comprehensive historic documents that contain the longest period of time in history. Their truthfulness and reliability in describing history give credits to the annals. The Royal Secretariat Diary (called Seungjeongwon-Ilgi("承政院日記")) is the most voluminous primary resources in history, superior to the Annals of Choson Dynasty and Twenty Five Histories in China. Jikji("直指") is the oldest existing book published by movable metal print sets in the world. It evidences the beginning of metal printing in the world printing history and is worthy of being as world heritage. The review of the four registered records confirms that they are valuable world documentary heritage that transfers culture of mankind to next generations and should be preserved carefully and safely without deterioration or loss. Chapter 3 investigates the current status of preservation and management of three repositories that store the four registered records in Korea. The repositories include Kyujanggak Archives in Seoul National University, Pusan Records and Information Center of National Records and Archives Service, and Gansong Art Museum. The quality of their preservation and management are excellent in all of three institutions by the following aspects: 1) detailed security measures are close to perfection 2) archiving practices are very careful by using a special stack room in steady temperature and humidity and depositing it in stack or archival box made of paulownia tree and 3) fire prevention, lighting, and fumigation are thoroughly prepared. Chapter 4 summarizes the status quo of digitization projects of records heritage in Korea. The most important issue related to digitization and database construction on Korean records heritage is likely to set up the standardization of digitization processes and facilities. It is urgently necessary to develop comprehensive standard systems for digitization. Two institutions are closely interested in these tasks: 1) the National Records and Archives Service experienced in developing government records management systems; and 2) the Cultural Heritage Administration interested in digitization of Korean old documents. In collaboration of these two institutions, a new standard system will be designed for digitizing records heritage on Korean Studies. Chapter 5 deals with additional Korean records heritage in the wish list for UNESCO's Memory of the World Register, including: 1) Wooden Printing Blocks(經板) of Koryo-Taejangkyong(高麗大藏經) in Haein Temple(海印寺); 2) Dongui-Bogam("東醫寶鑑") 3) Samguk-Yusa("三國遺事") and 4) Mugujeonggwangdaedaranigyeong. Their world value and importance are examined as followings. Wooden Printing Blocks of Koryo-Taejangkyong in Haein Temple is the worldly oldest wooden printing block of cannon of Buddhism that still exist and was created over 750 years ago. It needs a special conservation treatment to disinfect germs residing in surface and inside of wooden plates. Otherwise, it may be damaged seriously. For its effective conservation and preservation, we hope that UNESCO and Government will schedule special care and budget and join the list of Memory of the Word Register. Dongui-Bogam is the most comprehensive and well-written medical book in the Korean history, summarizing all medical books in Korea and China from the Ancient Times through the early 17th century and concentrating on Korean herb medicine and prescriptions. It is proved as the best clinical guidebook in the 17th century for doctors and practitioners to easily use. The book was also published in China and Japan in the 18th century and greatly influenced the development of practical clinic and medical research in Asia at that time. This is why Dongui Bogam is in the wish list to register to the Memory of the World. Samguk-Yusa is evaluated as one of the most comprehensive history books and treasure sources in Korea, which illustrates foundations of Korean people and covers histories and cultures of ancient Korean peninsula and nearby countries. The book contains the oldest fixed form verse, called Hyang-Ka(鄕歌), and became the origin of Korean literature. In particular, the section of Gi-ee(紀異篇) describes the historical processes of dynasty transition from the first dynasty Gochosun(古朝鮮) to Goguryeo(高句麗) and illustrates the identity of Korean people from its historical origin. This book is worthy of adding to the Memory of the World Register. Mugujeonggwangdaedaranigyeong is the oldest book printed by wooden type plates, and it is estimated to print in between 706 and 751. It contains several reasons and evidence to be worthy of adding to the list of the Memory of the World. It is the greatest documentary heritage that represents the first wooden printing book that still exists in the world as well as illustrates the history of wooden printing in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.96-131
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• 2015

Hanji(Korean traditional paper) is a valuable cultural heritage highly praised, even to this date, for its importance and technology by craftsmanship of our ancestors; it is a product of a combination of craftsmanship, well-established technologies, natural paper mulberry fiber and eco-friendly and durable natural materials and mucilages. Origin of the word 'Hanji(Korean traditional paper)' is from handmade paper made of bast part of the paper mulberry; as paper manufacturing with paper machines introduced in Japan was adopted in late Joseon, paper produced previously was called 'Hanji' and paper produced with western machines was called 'Yangji(machine made paper)'. Hanji has been called by many different names and used in various ways according to materials and production methods; and the functions varied. Hanji, from the era of three states to Joseon era, has been praised for its unique and excellent quality in three Asian countries(Korea, China and Japan); its unique excellence continues to this date in many paper-related national cultural heritages. Also total of 11 cases are registered to UNESCO Memory of the World for its importance, 8 of which are associated with traditional Korean paper: Hunminjeongeum, the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, Jikjisimcheyojeol, Seungjeongwon Ilgi, the Royal Protocols of the Joseon Dynasty, Donguibogam, Ilseongnok and A War Diary. To examine excellent characteristics of conservation science in Hanji, many studies have been developed. By developing analysis and manufacturing technologies, the excellence of our Hanji should be re-verified scientifically and the tradition should continue as one of the representative Korean cultural heritages.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.154-165
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• 2015

Common issues in research and policy on cultural heritage can be extracted among Eurasian countries although countries in the region show different colors of policies and studies. Among them one thing peculiar to Central Asian countries is that in general they do not have well delineated laws and regulations on the protection of cultural heritage. It may be because they had no enough time and experience to legislate and implement relevant laws and regulations ever since they got independence. Research on cultural heritage in Central Asian countries is often made in cooperation with foreign institutions. As shown in archaeological excavation projects in Central Asian countries, cooperative projects exceed noncooperative ones in terms of size and longevity. UNESCO, through its projects on the Serial and Transboundary World Heritage Nomination of the Silk Roads in Central Asia, also supports countries in Central Asia and others along the Silk Road in order to facilitate inclusion of their cultural heritages in the Tentative List of the World Heritage. With regard to activities on the protection of cultural heritage, while respective countries in Central Asia have made good efforts, they could not produce effective outcomes due to short of budget and specialized manpower. They have rich resources of cultural and documentary heritage but their registered heritages on the UNESCO's World Heritage List and Memory of the World are under-represented because of short of technology and experience among other things. A new trend in cultural heritage studies that combined cultural heritage with tourism has merged in recent years. While some critics have raised some negative questions, this new fashion became popular and will continue with the support of governments of Silk Road countries. In conclusion, Korean institutions are further encouraged to organize cooperative networks for research and policy with respective Eurasian countries.