Chungcheongnam-do Province to Produce Archival Books and Videos for Systematic Preservation of Intangible Heritage

Chungcheongnam-do Province announced on the 26th that it will produce archival books and videos for four intangible heritage items, including Cheongyang Gugijaju, to ensure their transmission and systematic preservation.

The documentation of intangible heritage is being pursued to understand the current state of transmission of items facing difficulties in preservation due to rapid industrialization and changes in the transmission environment, and to utilize this information for systematic preservation and transmission in the future.

The province has been systematically carrying out documentation projects since 2010 to inherit and preserve our traditional culture. Of the 57 provincial intangible heritage items, 53 have been documented in books and 24 in videos.

This year's documentation targets are 'Cheongyang Gugijaju,' 'Seocheon Buchaejang' (Fan Making), 'Cheongyang Jeongsan Donghwaje' (Village Ritual), and 'Somokjang' (Woodworking). Priority was given to items where the holders are elderly, necessitating the documentation of their transmission skills.

This year's documentation work will progressively record the entire process for each item, from obtaining materials to the creation process. It is expected to continue until February of next year, when 'Cheongyang Jeongsan Donghwaje' takes place.

A provincial official stated, "Through this documentation, we will establish foundational data for the proper transmission of traditional culture and also utilize it to inform provincial residents about excellent and unique intangible heritage items in our province."