Difficult to Engage in Active Activities Due to Health Reasons
Decision Made After Deliberation by Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee
The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 23rd that it will recognize Yang In-suk, a transmission educator of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Wanchojang (莞草匠), as an honorary holder. Opinions from various sectors will be reviewed for one month, and the decision on recognition will be made after deliberation by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee.
Yang was recognized as a transmission educator in 2004 and has worked hard to transmit and promote the Wanchog production technique. However, due to recent health reasons, active activities have become difficult, and she is stepping down as an honorary holder. Honorary holders are recognized through deliberation by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee when holders or transmission educators are unable to perform transmission activities normally or voluntarily apply.
Wanchojang artisans craft items such as mats, cushions, and songdong-i (small baskets) using sedge. According to the Samguk Sagi (1145), sedge is presumed to have been used since the Silla period. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was mainly used in the royal court or by the upper class. It was also regarded as an important trade item in transactions with foreign countries.
Currently, there is no holder for the Wanchojang category of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Last year, holder Lee Sang-jae passed away, leaving only two transmission educators below the holder level. If Yang becomes an honorary holder, the number will be reduced to one.
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