Preserving Jeju’s Cultural Legacy: New Custodians of Intangible Heritage

Jeju Intangible Cultural Heritage Gains New Custodians

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province announced the recognition of new custodians for its intangible cultural heritage. Through the official announcement, Oh Young-hee (83) was recognized as the custodian of Gudeokjang, while Song Wol-soon (72) and Hong Yang-suk (63) were acknowledged as custodians of Jeongdongbeollipjang. These individuals are important figures who carry on the traditional skills of Jeju’s region.

Gudeokjang: Traditional Skill of Bamboo Crafting

Gudeokjang is a traditional skill that involves crafting gudeok, a bamboo musical instrument. It was designated as an intangible cultural heritage in 2019. Oh Young-hee, as the custodian of Gudeokjang, has been acknowledged for her ability to acquire and practice this skill according to the traditional standards. After the passing of the previous custodian, Kim Hee-chang, in 2021, Oh Young-hee inherited the responsibility as the custodian. With her deep understanding and skilled techniques in Gudeokjang, she will continue to preserve this tradition.

Jeongdongbeollipjang: Traditional Hat Making Skill

Jeongdongbeollipjang is a traditional skill of making hats using the stems of the Jeongdong plant. Song Wol-soon and Hong Yang-suk were recognized as custodians of Jeongdongbeollipjang through the official announcement. Jeongdongbeollipjang is a long-standing traditional skill in Jeju, and these custodians will play a vital role in preserving and developing this cultural heritage.

Recognition of Honorary Custodian and Vacancy

With the recognition of Hong Dal-pyo as an honorary custodian in September 2022, a vacancy for a custodian position in Jeongdongbeollipjang was created. As a result, Song and Hong were newly acknowledged as custodians. This contributes to the continuation of Jeju’s traditional skills.

Importance of Intangible Cultural Heritage and Role of Custodians

Custodians of intangible cultural heritage refer to individuals who can acquire and practice the traditional skills according to the standards. Jeju Special Self-Governing Province is dedicated to the protection of intangible cultural heritage, and the recognition of custodians plays a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability of cultural heritage. Oh Young-hee, Song Wol-soon, and Hong Yang-suk, as custodians of Gudeokjang and Jeongdongbeollipjang, bear significant responsibility in inheriting and developing Jeju’s traditional skills.

Significance as Cultural Assets in Jeju

Gudeokjang and Jeongdongbeollipjang are cultural assets of Jeju, representing valuable traditions that have been passed down for generations. Custodians of intangible cultural heritage play a role in continuing these traditions and contributing to the cultural identity of the local community. Jeju Special Self-Governing Province strives to preserve these traditional skills and make efforts to pass them on to future generations.

Conclusion

The recognition of new custodians for Jeju’s intangible cultural heritage holds great significance in preserving and protecting the region’s traditional culture and skills. Oh Young-hee, Song Wol-soon, and Hong Yang-suk will assume the responsibility of continuing Jeju’s traditional skills. Jeju Special Self-Governing Province will continue its efforts to raise awareness of the importance of intangible cultural heritage and work towards the preservation of the region’s cultural assets.