About us

Activities

Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation CREATING THE FUTURE VALUE OF CULTURAL HERITAGE

Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation (KCHF) was established in accordance with Article 9 of the Cultural Heritage Protection Act as a specialized agency operating under the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea to pass on, share, and utilize cultural heritage. To that end, we promote the dissemination and creative application of Korea’s traditional culture through an extensive range of activities. Our efforts include various business enterprises; concerts, exhibitions, and cultural experience programs highlighting intangible heritage; archaeological excavations and research; development and distribution of cultural contents; and international exchanges and partnerships.

“to protect, preserve, popularize, and utilize cultural heritage and develop traditional lifestyle and culture”
Cultural Heritage Protection Act, Article 9

Main Activities of KCHF

01
Bringing old palaces to life

Beginning in September 1999 with reenactments of King Sejong’s Enthronement Ceremony at Geunjeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace, KCHF has sought to show that old palaces are not merely relics of the past but living, breathing spaces that speak to people living in today’s world. Old palaces become the means of connecting the past and future when developed into cultural tourism assets that can be widely appreciated. We stage a variety of events at Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeongung, Deoksugung Palaces, and Jongmyo Shrine, based on the intangible cultural heritage of royal ceremonies and court rituals from the Joseon period (1392-1910) as well as historical records and stories from history. Through such efforts, KCHF will lead the way in conveying the value and meaning of Korea’s cultural heritage.

Utilization of Cultural Heritage
  • Traveling back in time with the five major palaces and Jongmyo Shrine
    • - Royal Culture Festival
  • Gatekeepers safeguarding the palace entrance
    • - Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
  • Ceremonial rite honoring the late kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty
    • - Jongmyo Daeje (Royal ancestral ritual of Jongmyo Shrine)
  • Nighttime excursions to royal palaces
    • - Gyeongbokgung Palace Starlight Tour
    • - Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Tour
  • Musical elegance of pungnyu enjoyed at royal palaces
    • - Deoksugung Pungnyu Palace Concerts (Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace)
  • The tastes, etiquette, and rituals of Korean culture at royal palaces
    • - Taste of Suragan Royal Kitchen
    • - Jagyeongjeon Tea Ceremony
  • A scene from history, staged at royal palaces
    • - Diplomatic Reception for Envoys to the Korean Empire
    • - Royal Palace Walks: King Jeongjo and Changgyeonggung Palace
    • - Myohyeollye Ritual (Crown princess’s first visit to Jongmyo Shrine after wedded)
    • - Cheopjong: Inspection of the Palace Guards
  • Historic walk along the city walls of the Joseon period
    • - Excursions to Hanyang Doseong Fortress on Bugaksan Mountain
Royal Guard Changing Ceremony

Royal Guard Changing Ceremony

Royal Culture Festival

Royal Culture Festival

Royal Culture Festival

Royal Culture Festival

Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Tour

Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Tour

Cultural Heritage Promotion Division
  • Planning Team +82-2-2270-1232
  • Promotion Team +82-2-3210-1645
02
Passing on ingrained skills and knowledge through the generations

Crafts serve as a vessel for the values of the culture that create them, and thus our traditional crafts embody the lives of Koreans’ past and present. Intangible cultural heritage is a legacy that has been passed down through the generations and will remain a part of our past, present, and future. KCHF strives to preserve intangible cultural heritage by supporting and publicizing activities for the transmission of nationally designated intangible heritage, building a foundation for the promotion of traditional crafts, and endorsing efforts to design crafts that reflect changing tastes.

Preservation and Continuation of Intangible Cultural Heritage
  • Celebration of the utility and artistry of intangible cultural heritage
    • - Festival of Korean Intangible Cultural Heritage
  • Support for the transmission of intangible cultural heritage
    • - Support for activities led by successors of national intangible cultural heritage
    • - Exhibition for human cultural assets Supporting disciples of human cultural assets
    • - Revitalization of national intangible cultural heritage designated as endangered
  • Branding of high-end traditional crafts
    • - Certification and banking systems for traditional crafts
  • Development and modernization of traditional craft heritage
    • - Support for development of traditional craft designs
  • Platform for traditional crafts by diverse practitioners, from novices to master craftsmen
    • - Special exhibitions at National Intangible Cultural Heritage Training Center
  • Global activities promoting the value of Korea’s intangible culture
    • - Korean Week of Intangible Cultural Heritage
국가무형문화재 제28호 나주샛골나의 노진남

국가무형문화재 제28호 나주샛골나의 노진남

기획전시2019_2차_궁시통

기획전시2019_2차_궁시통

2019공예트렌드페어

2019공예트렌드페어

Korean ICH Promotion Center
  • Transmission Planning Team +82-2-3011-2152
  • Craft Promotion Team +82-2-3011-2161
03
Presenting the joy of ‘HEUNG’ through music and dance

Dance, song, and rhythm express the joys and sorrows of life. Highly acclaimed performances staged by KCHF help improve the public’s understanding of traditional arts and culture while increasing the value of our cultural heritage. From traditional performance arts to storytelling and fusion gugak (traditional Korean music) music, we introduce audiences to an exciting variety of productions at Korea Cultural House (KOUS), Folk Theater ‘Pungnyu’ and the Korea House Folk Theater.

Preservation and Continuation of Intangible Cultural Heritage
  • Concerts and performance featuring authentic intangible cultural heritage
    • - Hwaeum (Series of performances by successors of intangible cultural heritage)
    • - Madangnori (Open-yard performance)
    • - The Stories of Living Human Treasures
    • - The History of Korea’s Great Heritage
  • Concerts for and by the youth
    • - Cheongchunga (Song of youth)
    • - Youth Concert
  • Enjoying traditional culture with the family
    • - Traditional Theater for Children
  • Concert celebrating the longest night of the year
    • - Dongji Dongji (Winter solstice)
  • Korea Cultural House series on sounds
    • - Gagaek (Vocalists)
    • - Yulgaek (Instrumentalist)
  • Korea Cultural House series on dance
    • - Paril (Eight rows of dancers)
    • - Jimu (Expert dance)
    • - Wurak (Friendly songs)
  • Encounter of the greatest dancers of our time
    • - Palmujeon (Eight dancers performance)
  • Encounter of overseas traditional performing artists
    • - A Feast of Friendship (Korea-Japan shamanistic rites)
  • Tracing the origins of traditional art with gut (shamanistic rites)
    • - Gut Rituals of Korea
  • Introduction to memorable performing artists through the ages
    • - Yein Yeoljeon (The lives of performing artists )
  • Pungmul (farmers’ percussion music) music festival with masters of the tunes of the eight provinces
    • Pungmul Music Festival with Masters
  • Ensemble music combining gugak (traditional Korean music) and Western music
    • - Byeolgok (Court ritual music)
  • Stories of pungnyu (ensemble chamber music and dance)
    • - Damdam Pungnyu (Song of serenity)
    • - Ballak (Revelries)
  • Smash hit concert touring the country since 2004
    • - Let’s Go See GOOD Gut (Shamanistic rites)
  • The encounter of a classic novel, traditional dance and media arts
    • - KOREA Sim Cheong (The tale of Sim Cheong)
  • Discovering talented gugak (traditional Korean music) musicians on stage
    • - National Children’s Gugak Festival
    • - National College Madangnori (open-yard performance) Festival
민속극장 풍류(2017)

민속극장 풍류(2017)

민속극장풍류 2019인문학극장 김녕만 공연사진

민속극장풍류 2019인문학극장 김녕만 공연사진

코리아심청(2017) 관객참여

코리아심청(2017) 관객참여

한국문화의집KOUS 별곡(2019) 소리판타지아

한국문화의집KOUS 별곡(2019) 소리판타지아

한국문화의집KOUS 풍물명인전

한국문화의집KOUS 풍물명인전

Arts and Culture Division
  • Performance Planning Team +82-2-3011-1721
  • Korea House Traditional Performance Arts Troupe +82-2-2277-1132
04
Findingcreative uses for cultural heritage

Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation produces videos, provides online services, and publishes periodicals, books, etc. as a way of sharing the value of cultural heritage and preserving it for future generations. Our cultural heritage channel, K-Heritage.tv, offers high quality contents on multiple platforms through which we produce varied videos and visual materials. Through the channel, we also develop online services that will allow users around the world to access Korea’s cultural heritage. Our publications include the bimonthly magazine Wolgan Munhwajae, which has been running for over 35 years, as well as books with unique perspectives on cultural heritage.

Production of Cultural Heritage Contents
  • Opening a new window into cultural heritage
    • - K-Heritage.tv(www.k-heritage.tv)
  • In-depth cultural magazine founded in 1984
    • - Wolgan Munhwajae (Magazine for Korean cultural heritage)
  • Publications with varied perspective on cultural heritage
    • - Stories of Imaginary Animals in Mythology
    • - Our Beautiful Paintings
    • - Royal Protocols for Royal Banquets in the Year of Jeonghae during the Reign of King Gojong
    • - Designs and Patterns of Korea
    • - School of Korean Traditional Craft and Architecture Textbooks
문화유산채널

문화유산채널

Arts and Culture Division
  • Cultural Contents Team +82-2-3011-2665
  • Planning and Coordination Division Public Relations Team +82-2-3011-2607
05
Envisioning the future of cultural heritage

Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation supports school programs for teens and provides professional training to foster expertise among instructors specializing in traditional crafts and cultural heritage so that the legacy can be entrusted to the next generation. With such efforts, we aim to raise awareness of Korea’s cultural identity and continuity, thus ensuring that the value of our heritage will continue to grow and carry over into the future.

Cultural Heritage Education
  • Cultural heritage education for teens
    • - Cultural Heritage Park (Education program for elementary school students)
    • - Cultural Heritage Dreamers and Performers (Education program for middle and hight school students)
  • Support for programs to foster and train professionals in cultural heritage education
    • - Cultural heritage education for schoolteachers
    • - Programs for fostering educators in cultural heritage
    • - Support for monitoring and revitalizing regional cultural heritage education
    • - Outreach program for the transmission of intangible cultural heritage
  • Practical courses on traditional crafts from living human treasures
    • - School of Korean Traditional Crafts and Architecture (Total of 15 categories, including textiles, woodworking, metalwork, lacquering, and traditional painting)
  • Cultural heritage field trips led by professionals in the field
    • - Cultural heritage field trips
School of Korean Traditional Crafts and Architecture 01

School of Korean Traditional Crafts and Architecture

School of Korean Traditional Crafts and Architecture 02

School of Korean Traditional Crafts and Architecture

Arts and Culture Division
  • Cultural Education Team +82-2-3011-1702
06
Expanding our cultural horizons

We cooperate with organizations and corporations to develop the future value of cultural heritage. Results include mutually beneficial synergy as well as exemplary cases that exceed the expectations of corporate social responsibility to create greater public value. Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation works with numerous organizations and corporations to help raise the value of our cultural heritage. With increased corporate sponsorships and donations, KCHF has been able to support activities for the continuation of intangible cultural heritage and create an outlet for their creative application.

Exchanges and Support for Cultural Heritage
  • Enhancing the value of cultural heritage through cooperation
    • - Vacheron Constantin: Ham (precious box) project (2015), Cheonsang yeolcha bunyajido (planisphere chart) (2016)
    • - POSCO:Connecting Generations Exhibition (2016-2018)
    • - Korea Minting, Security Printing, &ID Card Operating Corp.:Production of commemorative medal on the 600th anniversary King Sejong’s ascension (2018)
    • - AUTISTAR (Social enterprise):Taking in Views of the Palace (2018)
  • Donations to support activities for the transmission of cultural heritage
    • - KB Kookmin Bank, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, Seoul Housing & Communities Corporation, Daesan Shin Yong Ho Memorial Society, Gyeonggi Urban Innovation Corporation, Amore Pacific, etc.
  • Platform for cooperation and exchanges to achieve sustainable cultural heritage
    • - Cultural Heritage Promotion and Cooperation Conference
  • Inclusive participation in safeguarding cultural heritage
    • - Collegiate Press Corps
    • - Citizen Monitors
글자나무 교보전시

글자나무 교보전시

Planning and Coordination Division
  • Public Relations Team +82-2-3011-2602
  • Planning and Finance Team +82-2-3011-2135
07
Awakening buried treasures

There are still many cultural properties that remain buried under the very ground we live on. Land development puts such properties at risk of destruction, meaning we would lose traces of our forefathers. KCHF works to locate and excavate these cultural properties, providing preservation treatment and collecting academic documentation. Since 2010, we have supported small-scale excavation projects with government funding to ease the financial burden of excavation costs on individuals and small businesses while continuing efforts to protect our archaeological heritage. We also share research materials and work on the restoration and preservation of excavated artifacts as we pave the way for advancements in the fields of cultural heritage protection and public service.

Excavation and Research of Cultural Heritage
  • Protecting cultural heritage with individuals and small businesses
    • - Support for small-scale excavation surveys
  • Academic excavation surveys establishing basis for restoration and maintenance of ruins
    • - Cultural heritage research
    • - Preservation treatment of artifacts
    • - Publication of academic reports
경주 탑동 6-1번지 적석목곽묘 4~8호 전경

경주 탑동 6-1번지 적석목곽묘 4~8호 전경

2018 춘천 근화동 현장

2018 춘천 근화동 현장

2019 탑동 6-1 적석목곽묘 7호(북-남)

2019 탑동 6-1 적석목곽묘 7호(북-남)

Archaeological Research Division
  • Research Planning Team +82-2-3011-2173
08
Sharing Korea’s culture and expertise with the world

Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation’s global endeavors include contributing to the preservation of world cultural heritage based on our professional expertise in the field of preservation and restoration. Beginning in 2009 with a project to provide equipment for Sri Lanka, we have shared our knowhow and Korea’s own cultural heritage with the world through international support projects and partnerships with some 20 countries. In 2010, KCHF received accreditation from UNESCO as an NGO in the field of intangible cultural heritage at the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. In addition to supporting the implementation of the UNESCO Convention, KCHF participates in international assistance, offers consultations, and builds a network to strengthen cooperation between nations. We also provide education and training support to foster local professionals as well assistance for equipment and training involved in preservation treatments. Through these varied efforts, personnel exchanges, and international preservation and restoration projects, KCHF is expanding its global presence and spearheading international cooperation to protect world cultural heritage.

International EXCHANGES and Partner
  • ConCooperative exchanges with global organizationssulting on intangible cultural heritage as accredited NGO and global cooperation activities
    • - Activities as consultation and evaluation body for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
    • - Cultural partnership projects
  • Official development assistance (ODA) for world cultural heritage
    • - Preservation and restoration project: Hong Nang Sida Temple at World Heritage Site Vat Phou in Laos
    • - Restoration and maintenance project: Preah Pithu Temple at Angkor Thom in Cambodia
    • - Preservation treatment project: Murals at Bagan Archaeological Area in Myanmar
    • - Assistance for the provision of equipment to preserve cultural heritage
    • - Capacity strengthening project: operation of Institute for National Museums of Congo/Institut des Musées nationaux du Congo (IMNC) in the Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Support for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage
    • - Laos, Kazakhstan, Cambodia,
    • - Bangladesh, Pakistan, etc.
문화유산ODA_라오스 홍낭시다

문화유산ODA_라오스 홍낭시다

문화유산ODA_캄보디아_프레아피투

문화유산ODA_캄보디아_프레아피투

캄보디아 프레아피투(2018)

캄보디아 프레아피투(2018)

Planning and Coordiation Division
  • International Cooperation Team +82-2-3011-2621
09
Enjoying the style and taste of Korean culture

Since first opening its doors in 1957, Korea House has introduced countless visitors to Korean life and culture in its role as the official government reception hall. In 1981, it was renovated in the traditional Korean architectural style of hanok to reflect more diverse lifestyles. Korea House now serves as a comprehensive cultural complex where visitors can enjoy court cuisine dating back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), attend traditional performance art events, reserve wedding ceremonies, and sign up for various cultural programs all in one place.

Dissemination of Traditional Cultureand Lifestyle
  • Carrying on the tastes and culinarytraditions of court cuisine from the Joseon period
    • - Development and dissemination of traditional court cuisine
  • Regular events showcasing the beauty and style of Korea’s traditionalperformance arts
    • - Traditional performance arts
  • Special occasions guided by the concept of ye (decorum and propriety)
    • - Traditional weddings and banquets
  • Wide range of experiences to help makelasting memories
    • - Traditional cultural experience programs
Korea House 명인명창 추석2019

Korea House 명인명창 추석2019

Korea House 명인명창 추석2019

Korea House 명인명창 추석2019

Korea House 특별행사_추석애

Korea House 특별행사_추석애

Planning and Coordiation Division
  • Korea House +82-2-2266-9101
10
Instilling a global appreciation for Korea’s traditional culture

For many travelers, their last memory of Korea will be Incheon International Airport, which is why the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation extends its efforts to promoting traditional culture to the airport. We operate the Korea Traditional Cultural Experience Centers and Korean Culture Galleries in several locations throughout the airport offering both Koreans and foreigners a place to see and experience traditional crafts. We also stage shows, traditional plays, and seasonal events to showcase the joyful, exuberant side of Korean culture.

Cultural Events and Expanded Outlets for Promoting Traditional Culture
  • Global platform for promoting Korea’s traditional culture
    • - Korea Traditional Cultural Experience Center
    • - Incheon International Airport, Terminal 1, Duty-Free Zone, 3F East/West Boarding Areas and Concourse
    • - Incheon International Airport, Terminal 2, Duty-Free Zone, 3F East/West Boarding Areas
  • Showcase for traditional arts and culture at the airport
    • - Korean Culture Galleries
    • - Incheon International Airport, Terminal 1, Duty-Free Zone, 4F East/West Transfer Areas
Incheon International Airport, Terminal 1

Incheon International Airport, Terminal 1

Incheon International Airport, Terminal 1

Incheon International Airport, Terminal 1

Incheon International Airport, Terminal 2

Incheon International Airport, Terminal 2

Cultural Products Division
  • Cultural Enterprise Team +82-32-743-0468
11
Creating modern value out of traditional culture

At the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation, we seek to bring the value and beauty of traditional culture into everyday life. In partnership with master craftsmen and renowned artists, we produce cultural products that reinterpret traditional designs and crafts in modern ways. We also develop cultural products and collaboration products with corporations as a means of promoting Korean culture. In addition, we operate online and offline stores that offer easily accessible ways for people to incorporate traditional culture into modern life.

Development and Distribution of Traditional Cultural Products
  • Modern uses for traditional culture
    • - Development and distribution of cultural products
  • Cultural products shops and facilities
    • - Korea Traditional Cultural Experience Center at Incheon International Airport, Terminals 1 and 2
    • - Gogung Tteurak at the National Palace Museum of Korea
    • - Beodeul Maru at Gyeongbokgung Palace
    • - Donggwol Maru at Changdeokgung Palace
    • - Doldamgil at Deoksugung Palace
    • - Yeomillak at King Sejong the Great Museum
    • - Cafe and art shop ‘Sarang’ at Korea House
    • - KHmall, the theme shop for traditional cultural products (www.khmall.or.kr)
Cafe and art shop ‘Sarang’ at Korea House

Cafe and art shop ‘Sarang’ at Korea House

Cafe and art shop ‘Sarang’ at Korea House

Cafe and art shop ‘Sarang’ at Korea House

Cafe and art shop ‘Sarang’ at Korea House

Cafe and art shop ‘Sarang’ at Korea House

오티스타

오티스타

우산

우산

Cultural Products Division
  • Product Planning Team +82-2-2270-1217
  • Distribution Team +82-2-2270-1202