SEOUL—South Korea’s precious traditional crafts, many of which have recently captured global attention through the popularity of K-culture, are facing an acute crisis as the nation's veteran artisans are aging with few successors to carry on their skills. The lifeline of several National Intangible Cultural Heritages is dangerously fraying, a situation brought to light by a recent government analysis.
The crisis is starkly illustrated by Gatil, the revered craft of making the traditional Korean hat, the Gat. The iconic, wide-brimmed black hat, a symbol of scholarly dignity in the Joseon Dynasty and a recent viral sensation in international media, is now on the verge of disappearing.
According to data analyzed by Assemblyman Min Hyung-bae of the Democratic Party of Korea, only four masters of Gatil remain nationwide, with their average age standing at a staggering 83 years old. Gatil, designated as National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 4, involves a complex, multi-stage process—including weaving the horsehair crown (chongmoja), making the hair-thin bamboo brim (yangtae), and assembling the final hat (ipja). The extreme complexity and demanding nature of the craft, which can take months to complete a single hat, have made finding new apprentices exceedingly difficult.
A Systemic Crisis in Traditional Arts
The plight of Gatil is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a systemic crisis impacting numerous traditional arts and crafts. The analysis of "National Intangible Cultural Heritage Vulnerable Categories Status" over the past five years reveals that the majority of masters are elderly, threatening the cultural foundation of the nation.
Elderly Artisans: Of the practitioners in vulnerable categories—which total 25—a significant 72% are aged 70 or older. These include masters of important heritage skills such as Jeontongjang (Traditional Measuring Instruments Maker, 94 years old), Baltal (Mask-Dance, 86–91 years old), and Akgijang (Musical Instrument Maker for Pyeonjong and Pyeongyeong, 90 years old).
Persistent Vulnerability: Worryingly, 23 of the 25 vulnerable categories have remained in a precarious state for five years or more.
Holder Vacancies: The situation is even more dire for four species designated as National Emergency Protection Intangible Cultural Heritage. More than half of these are currently without a designated master. Critically, crafts like Najueui Saetgolnai (weaving fine ramie), Badijang (reeds for weaving looms), and Baekdongyeonjukjang (white copper pipe making) struggle to secure even trainees. The case of Badijang is particularly alarming, with no successor designated for the craft for 20 years since the death of its previous master.
Policy and Funding Shortfalls Attacked
Assemblyman Min Hyung-bae expressed deep concern, stating, "The world marvels at the traditional skills of K-Culture, but here in the field, a handful of elderly masters are barely keeping the tradition alive."
He pointed to a critical lack of governmental support, both in policy and funding, as a major factor accelerating the crisis.
Budget Cuts: The overall budget for National Intangible Cultural Heritage is set to decrease by over 9 billion KRW (approximately $6.5 million USD) from 63.9 billion KRW in 2024 to 54.3 billion KRW in 2025.
Stagnant Emergency Funds: Furthermore, the budget for the "Protection and Nurturing of Emergency Protection Intangible Cultural Heritage" has been frozen at a meager 160 million KRW (around $116,000 USD) annually for five years.
Min stressed the urgency for concrete policy reforms, including "the swift designation of new holders for vacant categories and a significant budget increase." He concluded that "The transmission of traditional culture is the preservation of national identity. We must rationalize the budget for Intangible Cultural Heritage and strengthen the policy framework to encourage younger generations to participate in the succession of these invaluable traditions."
The global spotlight on Korean culture is providing an unprecedented opportunity for appreciation, but without immediate, robust intervention, the skills that created iconic items like the Gat risk becoming lost relics of the past.
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