Lee Dong-gyu Recognized as Holder for Over 60 Years of Dedication to Gagok

Notice of Recognition as Gungjang Holders for Kim Seongrak, Kim Yunkyung, and Yoo Sehyun

Holder of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Gagok, Mr. Kim Seong-rak

The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 7th that it recognizes Lee Dong-gyu as a holder of the National Intangible Cultural Property for Gagok, and has given prior notice of recognizing Kim Seong-rak, Kim Yoon-kyung, and Yoo Se-hyun as holders of Gungsijang.

Gagok is a vocal music genre that involves singing sijo poetry accompanied by chamber music ensembles consisting of string and wind instruments. It is transmitted in two forms: male Gagok and female Gagok. Lee Dong-gyu has studied Gagok since 1958 and has been active in the field for over 60 years. Since 1982, he has worked as an assistant instructor to promote transmission and train successors. Currently, there are four recognized Gagok holders in Korea, including Lee Dong-gyu: two males and two females.

Yoo Se-hyun, Gung Market Manager (Mayor), Traditional Archery Instructor

Gungsijang refers to the craft or artisans who make bows and arrows. A bow maker is called a Gungjang (弓匠), and an arrow maker is called a Sijang (矢匠). Kim Seong-rak began learning the craft in 1991 at his father's encouragement and has made bows for 33 years. In 2009, he was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Property Gungsijang (Gungjang) transmission educator.

Kim Yoon-kyung inherited techniques from the late Kim Bak-young, a holder of the Gungsijang (Gungjang) title, and has honed bow-making skills for 20 years. She was recognized as a Gungsijang (Gungjang) transmission educator in 2009. Yoo Se-hyun is a craftsman who has continued the tradition of arrow making for four generations since his great-grandfather. He learned techniques from his father Yoo Young-gi, a holder of the Gungsijang (Sijang) title, and has made arrows for 37 years. He was recognized as a transmission educator in 2004.