By Do Je-hae
Korean traditional heritage has served as a useful source for adding diversity to “hallyu” or the Korean wave. Television dramas with traditional themes such as MBC’s 2003 “Dae Jang Geum” (Jewel in the Palace) have been aired across Asia, pulling in $40 million worldwide since it first aired in 2003.
The drama is known for its portrayal of traditional culture, including Korean royal court cuisine and traditional medicine. But the industry for traditional cultural products, including clothing, food, crafts and architecture has not seen substantial growth in recent years, according to experts in a recent policy conference.
“Right now, the traditional Korean products account for only 10 percent of the entire Korean economy,” said Yoo Dong-hwan, a professor at Andong National University in North Gyeongsang Province, at a National Assembly conference held last week in Seoul.
“Selling traditional culture is not just about selling products. It’s also about selling the value of our tradition. So we need to recognize the importance of the industry, particularly its role in creating jobs in the regions and provinces, and implement measures to nurture its growth.”
Successfully commercializing traditional cultural products has been a long-running task. The government has been supporting Korean pop culture with the recent rise of its popularity. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Monday said that it will create a 123.6 billion won fund to invest in movies, dramas, games, animation and performances.
But there has not yet been specific support for the traditional products industry. Han Bok-ryeo, president of the Institute of Korean Royal Cuisine, suggested developing the commercial potential of traditional heritages such as royal documents, ceremonies and paintings.
Participants at the conference called for active government support.
Yoo said a law to promote the industry and the establishment of an inter-governmental committee and a program to nurture businesspeople and masters in producing traditional cultural products was necessary, as well as updating sales and marketing strategies.
Rep. Kim Gwang-lim of the ruling Grand National Party (GNP) has been promoting a relevant bill and organized the conference jointly with the culture ministry.
Kim, in cooperation with 11 other lawmakers, submitted the legislation to nurture the industry on Oct. 21.
This requires, among other initiatives, the government to extend financial aid to the founders of firms dealing with traditional products.
“There has been criticism that we have not been duly making use of the hallyu wave in updating our strategy for commercializing our traditional culture,” Kim said in explaining the background of the bill.
“There is more interest in Korean traditional culture because of the spread of ‘hallyu’ “Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choe Kwang-shik said. “So far, the phenomenon has mostly revolved around Korea’s popular culture. Now we must think about what we can do to engage our traditional culture as a foundation.”
jhdo@koreatimes.co.kr