A Study on Exchange and Cooperation between South and North Korea through UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity : Focusing on joint nomination to the Representative List

‘Arirang folk song in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’ was inscribed to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014 and ‘Tradition of kimchi-making in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’ followed in 2015. It is presumed that North Korea was influenced the Republic of Korea inscribing ‘Arirang, lyrical folk song in the Republic of Korea’ to the list in 2012 as well as ‘Kimjang, making and sharing kimchi in the Republic of Korea’ in 2013. These cases show the necessity (or possibility) of cultural exchanges between the two Koreas through UNESCO ICH lists.The purpose of this article is to explore the possibility of inter-Korean cultural integration. Therefore, I would like to review UNESCO’s ICH policy and examine the ways of cooperation and joint nominations to the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity between the two Koreas.First, review the amendments to the laws and regulations of the two Koreas and how the two countries applied the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.Although the cultural exchange is non-political field, given the situation between North and South Korea, it is influenced by politics. Therefore, we devised a stepwise development plan, divided into four phases: infrastructure development, cooperation and promotion, diversification, and policymaking and alternative development.First a target group will be needed. In this regard, joint nominations to the Representative List of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity will be suitable for cooperation. Both countries have already started separate nominations on shared ICH elements to the UNESCO lists. Therefore, I have selected a few elements as examples that can be considered for joint nominations. The selected items are makgeolli (traditional liquor), jang (traditional soybean sauce), gayangju (homebrewed liquor), gudeul (Korean floor heating system), and jasu (traditional embroidery).Cooperation should start with sharing information on ICH elements. A pilot project for joint nomination can be implemented and then a mid-term plan can be established for future implementation.When shared ICH elements are inscribed on UNESCO ICH lists, various activities can be considered as follow-ups, such as institution visits, performances, exhibitions, and joint monitoring of the intangible cultural heritage. Mutual cooperation of the two Koreas; intangible cultural heritage will be a unique example between the divided countries, so its value will be recognized as a symbol of cultural cooperation. In addition, it will be a foundation for cultural integration of the two Koreas, and it will show the value of our unique ICH to the world. At the same time, it will become a good example for joint nominations to the Representative List recommended by UNESCO.