Heritage preservation in South Korea
Classification Description Example
National Treasure Important tangible cultural heritage , valuable not only for Korea but also for humankind , including historical structures , ancient books and documents , paintings , sculptures , handicraft , archaeological findings and armory Namdaemun ; National Treasure # 1
Treasure Important tangible cultural heritage , including historical structures , ancient books and documents , paintings , sculptures , handicraft , archaeological findings and armory Standing stone Buddhas of Paju ; Treasure # 93
Historic Site Sites of outstanding historical or academic value , for example , pre-historic sites , fortresses , tombs , kilns , dolmens , temple sites Hwaseong Fortress ; Historic Site # 3
Scenic Site Natural scenic sites that are of outstanding historical , artistic or landscape value , and are unique or rare due to their natural formation Jeongbang Waterfall on Jeju Island ; Scenic Site # 43
Natural Monument Animals , plants , minerals , caves , geological features , biological products and natural phenomena of outstanding historical , cultural , academic or aesthetic value Lacebark pine at Jogyesa temple in Seoul ; Natural Monument # 9
Intangible Cultural Heritage Intangible cultural heritage of outstanding historical , artistic or academic value , such as theatre , music , dance and handicraft . Holders of these Important Intangible Cultural Properties are Living National Treasures Taepyeongmu , a type of court dance ; Intangible Cultural Heritage # 92
Important Folklore Cultural Heritage Devices , clothing and buildings essential for everyday life , commerce , transport , entertainment , public events , religious and other festivals , to understand the change in lifestyle over the centuries Breastplate of Prince Heungseon ; Folklore Cultural Property # 65
Classification -- State-designated heritage
The heritage preservation system of South Korea is a multi-level program aiming to preserve and cultivate Korean cultural heritage. The program is administered by the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA; 대한민국 문화재청, Daehan Minguk Munhwa Jaecheong), and the legal framework is provided by the Cultural Heritage Protection Act of 1962, last updated in 2012. The program started in 1962 and has gradually been extended and upgraded since then. The CHA classifies cultural heritage into five major categories (state-designated heritage, city and province-designated heritage, cultural heritage material, registered cultural heritage, undesignated cultural heritage) and these are divided further into subcategories. Besides tangible cultural heritage, South Korea aims to preserve its intangible cultural heritage as well, including folk customs, music, dance and handicraft. The program also includes Living National Treasures, persons who possess the knowledge and skills important to pass down intangible cultural heritage to new generations. South Korea has founded several educational centers throughout the country and established a university, specifically dedicated to heritage preservation. Some of the heritage properties of South Korea has been inscribed into various UNESCO lists. As of 2014, the country has nine cultural and one natural World Heritage Sites, with 15 added to the provisional list; and there are 17 items registered as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. Although the program is considered successful by both the public and experts, there are unresolved issues regarding the system and particularly the selection method of living national treasure holders.