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🇰🇷 South Korea /Culture & Society

First Lady Kim Hye-kyung hopes Hanji gains UNESCO heritage status in San Francisco

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Kim Hye-kyung, wife of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, attended a Hanji (traditional Korean paper) event in San Francisco.
  • She expressed hope for Hanji's inscription as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
  • The event showcased Hanji's use in art, crafts, design, and fashion.

Kim Hye-kyung, the spouse of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, attended a special event in San Francisco focused on 'Hanji,' traditional Korean paper. During the event, titled 'Time and Future Connected by Hanji,' Kim expressed her strong hope for Hanji's official recognition by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

I sincerely hope that Hanji will be inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in December and shine further as a precious asset for all humankind.

— Kim Hye-kyungExpressing her hopes for Hanji's UNESCO recognition at the San Francisco event.

Kim stated her wish for Hanji to be inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in December, emphasizing its potential to shine as a precious common asset for humanity. She noted the significance of discussing Korea's valuable cultural heritage in San Francisco, a city known for its innovation and diverse cultural landscape. Kim highlighted Hanji's historical role in preserving Korean history for over a century and its evolving application in contemporary fields like art, crafts, design, and fashion, showcasing its boundless potential to bridge the past and future.

It is truly a pleasure to share stories about Hanji, Korea's precious cultural heritage, in San Francisco, a city of innovation and diverse cultures.

— Kim Hye-kyungCommenting on the significance of the event in San Francisco.

"Culture is the warmest language that connects people and hearts," Kim remarked, expressing her desire for Hanji to be cherished globally as a beautiful cultural heritage that transcends time and borders, fostering connections between people worldwide. The event, organized by the Korean Cultural Center in Los Angeles, featured exhibitions and a fashion show demonstrating the versatility and artistic merit of Hanji.

Culture is the warmest language that connects people and hearts.

— Kim Hye-kyungReflecting on the role of culture in fostering connections.

The Korea Cultural Heritage Administration is actively pursuing the inscription of 'Traditional knowledge, skills, and cultural practices of making Hanji' on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Kim's attendance and remarks underscore the South Korean government's commitment to promoting and preserving its traditional cultural assets on the international stage.

I hope that Hanji will continue to be loved as a beautiful cultural heritage that connects the hearts of more people across eras and borders.

— Kim Hye-kyungExpressing her wishes for Hanji's global appeal.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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