Baek Hyunjin Holds Forum on 'Converting Japanese-style Cultural Property Classification System to National Heritage'

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Assemblywoman Baehyun Jin of the People Power Party, together with the party's Policy Committee, will hold a forum under the theme "Paradigm Shift from the 60-Year Japanese-Style Cultural Property System to a National Heritage System."

Organized by the Korea Cultural Heritage Administration Research Institute, this event will focus on reforming the outdated Japanese-style cultural property classification system that does not meet UNESCO standards.

The current Cultural Heritage Protection Act has used the Japanese-style cultural property classification system since its enactment in 1962, which experts have pointed out is no longer aligned with the current global heritage system centered on UNESCO World Heritage standards. Due to this classification system, the government has faced difficulties in registering and managing UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Under the newly reviewed national heritage system, the term for cultural properties will change to "National Heritage," and the classification system will be broadly revised according to UNESCO standards into categories such as cultural heritage, natural heritage, and intangible heritage. Additionally, legal grounds will be established to protect non-designated cultural properties, enabling systematic protection and management by the state.

Assemblywoman Baehyun Jin, who is hosting the forum, stated, "South Korea is a UNESCO heritage powerhouse ranked within the top 10 worldwide in UNESCO listings," adding, "It is fortunate that the long-stagnant Japanese-style cultural property system is finally being changed to a national heritage system that meets global standards."

She continued, "The bill for introducing the national heritage system, including the 'National Heritage Basic Act,' which we have prepared together with the Cultural Heritage Administration, is also in its final stages," and said, "We will do our best to support the successful establishment of the new national heritage system."