South Korea Pursues UNESCO Heritage Status for Historic Ginseng and Martial Arts Culture

South Korea officially applies for UNESCO heritage status for its historical ginseng culture and prepares a bid for the traditional martial art of taekwondo.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 4, 2026, 4:38 AM EDT

Source: The Korea Times

The Insam Tradition: More Than a Medicinal Root

The formal application for "The Insam Tradition" highlights the profound role ginseng plays in the Republic of Korea's social fabric. Far beyond its reputation as a health supplement, the KHS defines this heritage as a comprehensive system of knowledge, skills, and cultural practices. This includes ancient cultivation methods, sophisticated processing techniques, and a variety of related customs such as rituals, traditional food preparation, and the deeply rooted practice of gift-giving.

Central to this bid is the concept that ginseng serves as a symbol of solidarity and community well-being. Passed down through generations via practice and education, the tradition reflects the Korean people's historical pursuit of health and longevity. A final decision on this nomination is expected in December 2028 during the 23rd session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Taekwondo: A Community-Centered Training Culture

While the ginseng bid is already under review, the KHS is simultaneously advancing a nomination for taekwondo. In January 2026, the agency designated "Taekwondo: A Dojang-centered Korean Training Tradition" as a candidate for a future UNESCO round. Unlike previous sport-focused descriptions, this application emphasizes the "dojang" (training hall) as a community hub where values, philosophy, and physical skills are transmitted from masters to students.

The KHS has expressed a strategic desire for this to be a joint inscription with North Korea, aiming to replicate the successful 2018 joint listing of ssireum (traditional Korean wrestling). Such a move would be a significant diplomatic gesture, reinforcing the shared cultural heritage of the peninsula despite political divisions.