VANK, a cyber diplomatic mission, recently began responding to China’s attempts to distort and invade Korean cultural heritage.
VANK is conducting a global campaign to protect traditional Korean culture in response to China’s recent attempts to distort and invade Korean cultural heritage.
China is encroaching on our country’s intangible heritage by registering the technology of making ethnic musical instruments as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in Yanben Korean Autonomous Prefecture, Jilin Province, and the technology of making kimchi in Yanji City, Jilin Province.
In the case of ethnic musical instrument production technology, instrument master Kim Gye-bong was registered in the Yenben Korean Autonomous Prefecture of Jilin Province, and to date, approximately 80 instrument production techniques of instrument master Kim have been registered as national-level intangible cultural heritage of China.
Among the instruments made by the master, the gayageum, geomungo, and haegeum are important cultural heritage items that symbolize Korea’s music and artistic traditions.
Kimjang and hanbok are also controversial because China has registered them as national-level intangible cultural heritage. Korean kimchi making is registered as a kimchi making art in Yanji City, Jilin Province, China.
In the case of Hanbok, in 2008, China distorted Korean traditional clothing under the name ‘Hanfu (漢服)’ and registered it as a national level intangible cultural heritage in Yanben Korean Autonomous Prefecture, Jilin Province, China.
VANK said, “We want to promote our heritage to the world before Korea’s intangible cultural heritage is registered as Chinese heritage by UNESCO,” adding, “To this end, policy responses from governments such as the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the National Heritage Administration, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the participation of the public are required. “I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
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Interview: Protecting Korean Cultural Heritage from Distortion
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Thank you for joining us today. We are here to discuss a pressing issue regarding cultural heritage and identity. Recently, VANK, a cyber diplomatic mission, has taken substantial steps to counter China’s attempts to distort Korean cultural heritage. Can you shed some light on VANK’s mission and its significance?
Expert: Thank you for having me. VANK, or the Voluntary Agency Network of Korea, has been at the forefront of the fight to protect and promote Korean culture, especially in the face of appropriation and distortion by other states. Their mission has grown increasingly critical as we see rising claims on Korean cultural elements—like music and traditional practices—by China.
Interviewer: That’s a crucial point. The registration of technologies such as traditional Korean musical instrument making and kimchi production as Chinese heritage raises concerns. Do you think this could have long-term implications for Korean culture?
Expert: Absolutely. The long-term implications can be quite severe. When a cultural tradition is registered as part of another country’s heritage, it not only disassociates it from its origins but also affects national identity and cultural pride. Instruments like the gayageum and the geomungo are central to Korean music, and if they’re misrepresented as Chinese, it risks erasing their historical and cultural significance.
Interviewer: VANK’s efforts include a global campaign to raise awareness. What strategies do you think are most effective in promoting Korean cultural heritage on the international stage?
Expert: Education and advocacy are key. By harnessing social media and digital platforms, VANK can disseminate accurate information about Korean culture to a global audience. Engaging with scholars, cultural institutions, and diaspora communities can create a robust global network that supports Korean heritage. Additionally, forming partnerships with international organizations can help to amplify their message.
Interviewer: You mentioned the role of government as well. How important is the collaboration between civil society and governmental bodies in this context?
Expert: It’s crucial. While organizations like VANK mobilize public opinion and grassroots efforts, governmental support is essential for formal recognition and protection of cultural heritage. Policy responses from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and other relevant agencies are necessary not just for domestic advocacy but also for shaping international narratives. A coordinated response will be much more effective.
Interviewer: There’s also concern regarding UNESCO’s role in these matters. How can VANK and the Korean government work with UNESCO to protect Korea’s heritage?
Expert: Working with UNESCO is vital for formal recognition and safeguarding of cultural elements. VANK can collaborate with the government to ensure that applications for UNESCO heritage status are prioritized for truly indigenous cultural practices. It’s about building a case that honors and accurately represents Korean heritage before claims are made by others.
Interviewer: what can the general public do to support these efforts?
Expert: Public awareness is pivotal. People should educate themselves about the nuances of Korean culture and share this knowledge within their communities. Supporting local crafts and traditions, participating in cultural events, and advocating for policy changes can help reinforce the value of Korean heritage. Every individual’s voice counts and can drive meaningful change.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights. It seems that the battle for cultural identity is not just about the past, but also about how we want to shape our future.
Expert: Exactly. Protecting cultural heritage requires collective effort across all sectors of society. Only then can we ensure that our traditions not only survive but thrive in a global context.
Interviewer: It has been a pleasure having this conversation. Let’s hope for a future where Korean culture continues to be recognized and respected for its authenticity. Thank you!
Expert: Thank you for shining a light on this important issue!