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South Korea Seeks UNESCO Heritage Status for Ginseng and Taekwondo

South Korea has formally applied to UNESCO for Intangible Cultural Heritage status for its ginseng culture, with a decision expected in late 2028. The tradition encompasses cultivation techniques, rituals, and community practices centered on health and longevity. Separately, the country plans a future application for the "dojang"-centered training tradition of taekwondo, initially hoping for a joint inscription with North Korea. However, North Korea has submitted its own competing nomination for taekwondo, currently under review.

Key Points: UNESCO Heritage Bid for Korean Ginseng & Taekwondo

  • Ginseng nomination for 2028 decision
  • Taekwondo training culture as next candidate
  • Potential for joint bid with North Korea
  • Ginseng's six-year cultivation for potency
2 min read

South Korea seeks UNESCO heritage status for ginseng, taekwondo traditions

South Korea applies for UNESCO status for ginseng culture and plans a future bid for taekwondo's training tradition, highlighting cultural heritage.

"The Insam Tradition: Knowledge, Skills, and Cultural Practices Related to Ginseng - Korea Heritage Service"

Seoul, April 1

South Korea has applied for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status for its ginseng culture and is planning a future application for the training culture of its traditional martial art of taekwondo, the heritage authority said Wednesday.

The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) said it had submitted a nomination for inscription onto UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for "The Insam Tradition: Knowledge, Skills, and Cultural Practices Related to Ginseng in the Republic of Korea."

The ginseng tradition reflects Korea's long-standing belief in health and longevity and includes cultivation and processing techniques, as well as related customs, such as rituals, food preparation and gift giving. It also serves as a symbol of solidarity and community well-being, passed down through practice and education, the agency said.

A final decision on the nomination will be made during the 23rd session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in December 2028 after review by the UNESCO Secretariat and evaluation bodies.

Regarding the taekwondo training tradition, the KHS said in January that it was chosen as a candidate for the next round of applications for joint or extended inscription.

The proposed heritage, "Taekwondo: A Dojang-centered Korean Training Tradition," was described as a training culture rooted in the "dojang" (training hall) community, where values and skills are handed down from masters to students and across generations, Yonhap news agency reported.

The KHS hopes taekwondo could be jointly inscribed with North Korea, mirroring the 2018 joint listing of "ssireum," or traditional Korean wrestling.

However, North Korea submitted its own nomination, "Taekwon-Do, Traditional Martial Art in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea," in March 2024, which is currently under review.

South Korean ginseng, specifically Panax ginseng, is world-renowned for its high quality and health benefits, often cultivated for six years to maximise potency. Known as red ginseng when steamed and dried, it is a key health supplement, often used for immune support, focus, and energy.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Interesting read. Ginseng is indeed famous. Reminds me of our own Ashwagandha and Tulsi, which have been used for centuries in India. We should also push for more UNESCO recognition for our traditional knowledge systems.
R
Rohit P
Taekwondo is cool, but it's sad they can't do a joint application with North Korea. Politics getting in the way of culture, as usual. Hope they figure it out. The 2018 joint listing for wrestling was a good precedent.
S
Sarah B
As someone who practices martial arts, I appreciate the focus on the "dojang" community. It's not just about fighting; it's about discipline and values passed down. Similar to how traditional Indian martial arts like Kalaripayattu are taught.
V
Vikram M
Six years to cultivate! That's some serious dedication. Makes you respect the tradition and effort behind it. Our farmers who grow traditional crops with ancient methods deserve similar global appreciation.
K
Karthik V
While I support cultural preservation, I hope UNESCO also gives equal attention to traditions from smaller, less influential nations. Sometimes the process feels dominated by countries with stronger diplomatic outreach. Just a thought.

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