From Village Rituals Praying for Peace to the Breath of Masters: Intangible Heritage Now Accessible at Home

Cultural Heritage Administration Releases Reports, Videos, and Books
Six Years of In-Depth Study on Village Beliefs
Oral Histories of National Intangible Heritage Holders Also Published

From village rituals praying for peace to the craftsmanship of artisans, a comprehensive collection documenting Korea's intangible heritage is now coming into people's homes. On January 14, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced that it will release research reports on intangible heritage, as well as videos and books capturing the transmission process of national intangible heritage holders, through the 'Intangible Heritage Digital Archive.'

The highlight of this new material is the in-depth research on village beliefs conducted nationwide over the past six years since 2019. The Cultural Heritage Administration has documented the value of 'Dongje,' a ritual performed by communities in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Chungcheong, and Jeju to honor their village deities or mountain spirits, by visiting the actual sites where these ceremonies take place.

The reports cover four types of rituals: ▲ 'Seoul Bugundangje,' a ritual held at Bugundang shrines near the Han River in Seoul; ▲ 'Gyeonggi Dodangje,' a ceremony for the principal deity in the Gyeonggi region; ▲ 'Sanshinje and Georije' in Chungcheong; and ▲ 'Jeju Poje and Dang-gut,' where Confucian village rituals coexist with shamanistic ceremonies in Jeju. The research team highlighted the unique characteristics of each region's rituals and vividly captured the original forms of village faith that have strengthened community bonds. A representative from the Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "We also plan to release research results for Gangwon, Jeolla, and Gyeongsang regions within the year."

The legacy of disappearing masters will also be permanently preserved through videos and books. The video materials faithfully document the lives and performances of Kim Chunsik, a master of Naju soban (traditional tray tables), as well as Kim Ilgu and Jeong Sunim, holders of the pansori repertoires Jeokbyeokga and Heungboga.

The published books provide detailed accounts of the history and value of 'Sagyungjang,' the art of transcribing Buddhist scriptures; 'Haenyeo,' the women divers who symbolize Korea's maritime culture; and 'Gyeongju Gyodong Beopju' (holder Choi Kyung), the traditional liquor of the Choi family in Gyeongju. In addition, the accompanying oral history volumes vividly record, in the voices of the holders themselves, the initiation and life stories of six masters: Kim Younghee (Donghaean Byeolsingut, honorary holder), Won Gwangsik (Master of Cast Iron), Lee Jaechun (Andong Chajeon Nori), Park Intae (Gyeongsan Jain Danoje), Lee Sangho (Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori), and Han Jeongja (Victory Dance).

A representative from the Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "We will expand digital access so that everyone can easily enjoy our culture."