Aligning tradition and creativity: preserving pansori in South Korea

In 2016, the South Korean government implemented the Act on the Safeguarding and Promotion of Intangible Cultural Properties (Muhyeong munhwajae bojeon mit jinheung e gwanhan beomnyul), thus entering a new stage in the preservation of intangible cultural heritage. Through tracing the development of the preservation of pansori, a sung storytelling art form which was amongst the first to be designated as intangible cultural heritage in Korea in 1964, I discuss how patterns of preservation strategies have emerged, as well as how these are being targeted by the new legislation. Although it is still too early to observe the lasting effects of the new legislation, an analysis of the critiques of the previous system, as well as the hopes pinned on the future, will indicate potential future trends.