Uniting efforts to add 'hanji' to UNESCO's Cultural Heritage List in 2026
Seo Joo-hee
Paper is so deeply ingrained in the lives of Koreans, that Koreans cannot discuss their lives without mentioning it.
Since ancient times, Koreans were born on paper, lived their whole lives in paper and eventually were wrapped in paper and returned to earth. What being born on paper means here is being born on “hanji” (traditional Korean paper or mulberry paper) flooring. And living in paper means living covered in hanji wallpaper and window paper. And to be wrapped in paper means to face death and return to the ground wrapped in Korean paper.
The integral role of hanji in Koreans' lives has significantly contributed to its understanding among foreigners, which I believe is a key factor in “Hanji, Traditional Knowledge and Technology” being selected as a candidate for registration as part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list for 2024. Demonstrating that relevant communities, groups and individuals are participating freely and widely in the inscription process, particularly those values emphasized by the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Convention, such as human rights and peace, will serve as a catalyst for hanji to be inscribed on the UNESCO list.
In addition, it is very important to inform the world of what is possible with hanji. Because of its excellent preservation properties, the Korean paper has already been used in the restoration of local cultural properties in many countries around the world, including France and Italy, and our hanji is gaining more attention in the European market.
Artist Lee Seung-cheol will hold his third solo exhibition in Europe later this month in Hungary. Starting with the Korean Cultural Center in Italy in February 2023 and followed by the opening exhibition at the Korean Cultural Center in Austria in May, the Korean artist's exhibition of Korean paper relief works has been drawing great attention in overseas markets as he reinterprets Korean paper with modern aesthetics.
Drawing from my experience coordinating Lee’s exhibitions across Europe, I would like to offer some recommendations on the role Korea should take on as hanji steps into the spotlight, poised for inscription in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
Above all, culture should be approached from the perspective of universality, and not driven by the interests of the government or specific local groups.
I believe that the delay in the registration of hanji as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage is due to the lack of government agencies’ coordination of the hanji industry, which is scattered in each region, and the lack of unity of community groups, which is important in the ICH Convention. In other words, I think that the acceptance of hanji in the European market has been delayed because the unique attributes of specific regions have been highlighted and there has been a lack of unity.
I think the nomination of “Hanji, Traditional Knowledge and Technology” to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list was possible thanks to Korean private organizations and various artists and craftsmen who use hanji for creative purposes and who have put effort into promoting hanji in the global market for a long time.
Based on my long-term interest in and experiences attending international seminars related to hanji in Europe, I have also coordinated exhibitions related to hanji at Korean Cultural Centers overseas. At this crucial moment, I would like to see the government more actively support researchers, writers and artisans who study hanji. Regarding hanji policies, the approach has typically seen individuals or private organizations leading initiatives with the government following. Moving forward, I hope to see the government actively leading the support for these individuals and organizations.
Furthermore, I hope the government will proactively ensure that no local groups engage in profiteering during this critical period as UNESCO considers hanji for inscription on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Korean wave, or hallyu, initially propelled by Korean dramas, developed into a broader phenomenon through K-pop and further expanded to Korean culture in general. It has significantly heightened global interest in Korean culture. Despite this, I believe that globalized Korean culture lacks distinctly Korean elements. In this context, it is imperative that we all work together for the successful inscription of hanji, which has been a part of the lives of Koreans.
Seo Joo-hee is traditional craft columnist and adjunct professor of Department of Performing Arts at Dongduk Women's University.