"Using Joseonjok to Continuously Encroach on Korean Culture"
Professor Seokyungdeok from Sungshin Women's University emphasized that "China will continue to appropriate our culture by using the 'Joseonjok' (ethnic Koreans in China) as a front," regarding the controversy that arose after it was belatedly revealed that the cooking method of Dolsot Bibimbap was designated as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage in China. He stressed, "It is urgent for our government to prepare countermeasures."
On the 20th, Professor Seo posted on Facebook, "The first paragraph of Baidu Encyclopedia explains that 'Dolsot Bibimbap is a rice dish unique to the Joseonjok in the northeastern Chinese provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning, as well as the Korean Peninsula.'"
Professor Seo said that when he searched two years ago, the term 'Joseonjok' was not included. He pointed out that the insertion of 'Joseonjok' seems related to its inclusion in the intangible cultural heritage list of Jilin Province.
This is not the first time China has registered Korean culture as its own cultural heritage. Professor Seo pointed out, "In 2008, China changed our 'Nongakmu' (traditional Korean farmer's music and dance) to 'Joseonjok Nongakmu' and designated it as a national intangible cultural heritage, then registered it as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009."
He added, "China will continue to appropriate our culture by using 'Joseonjok' as a front, such as with 'Joseonjok Nongakmu' and 'Joseonjok Dolsot Bibimbap.' Above all, it is urgent for our government to prepare countermeasures."
It was belatedly revealed that on the 18th, the Jilin Provincial Government in China included the cooking method of Dolsot Bibimbap in its regional intangible cultural heritage list in December 2021 under the item 'Joseonjok Dolsot Bibimbap Cooking Technique.' It was confirmed that the Korean government was unaware of this fact until related reports surfaced.
On the 19th, the Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "We will proactively manage Korea's intangible heritage, expand designations, and strengthen international promotion." They added, "We plan to conduct additional research projects to strengthen competitiveness by monitoring the designation status of overseas intangible heritage related to our traditional culture, systematically managing and selecting intangible heritage that urgently requires response." They also said, "If necessary, we will actively pursue related measures, including proactive steps for priority registration of intangible cultural heritage of humanity with UNESCO."
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