The "Living Human Treasures" System in the Republic of Korea

Abstract

The 2003 UNESCO Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage had shed light on the importance of protecting non-material culture, and its transmitters. The instrument was developed from the consolidated Japanese and Korean policies for the protection of national cultural heritage. The thesis investigates the Republic of Korea system from the 1960's until the most recent policies, focusing on the protection of bearers. Historical background, legislation, administration, management, and case studies are reported, in order to understand the positive and negative effects of the Korean Living Human Treasures system.