Korean Fermentation Culture Recognized as UNESCO Intangible Heritage

Korea's traditional fermentation culture, known as 장 담그기 (jang damgeugi), has been officially recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the afternoon of December 3 (local time) that during the 19th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Asunción, Paraguay, the committee made the final decision to include 'Korean Fermentation Culture' in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The committee praised the practice, stating, 'The culture of making and sharing 장, a fundamental seasoning for Koreans, has been passed down through generations, strengthening family bonds.' They also noted that the communal act of fermenting contributes to fostering peace and a sense of belonging within the community. With this addition, Korea now boasts a total of 23 entries on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.