This article explores the conceptual design and strategy for inscribing “Traditional Dance of Korea” on the Lists under the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Rather than viewing inscription as cultural recognition or artistic evaluation, it examines how living dance practices can be defined, governed, and sustained within the Convention’s normative framework. The study comparatively analyzes dance-related elements on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, classifying them by form, social context, and mediating components such as music, costume, craft, and ritual. It also reviews the case of Modern Dance in Germany to illuminate tensions between artistic genres and community-based cultural practices. The article argues that Korean traditional dance should be presented not as fixed repertoires but as a dynamic assemblage of knowledge, skills, transmission systems, and performance contexts continually recreated by communities. Successful inscription, it contends, requires integrated design encompassing community-centered governance, linkage with national inventories, and safeguarding measures that prevent decontextualization. It concludes by proposing single-state, multinational, and extension pathways, offering scholarly and policy implications aligned with sustainability, cultural diversity, and community agency.

This study compares the sugeon dance traditions of the Yeongnam and Honam regions to examine regional distinctions and cultural significance. Through literature analysis, comparative video review, and archival research, it identifies differences in rhythmic structure, handkerchief technique, and stage adaptation. The Yeongnam tradition reflects the formal aesthetics and restrained movement style associated with court dance through its Gyobang and Gwonbeon lineages. In contrast, the Honam tradition demonstrates dynamic expressiveness through the interplay of regular and syncopated rhythms and diverse handkerchief techniques. Centered on the respective transmission lineages, both traditions have formed significant strands in modern Korean dance while reinforcing regional identity and community cohesion. However, the study confirms the need to establish a comprehensive digital archive and strengthen international accessibility. By exmining regional diversity within the shared genre of sugeon dance, this study provides foundational material for the globalization of Korean traditional dance and discussions on cultural heritage. Keywords Traditional Dance, Yeongnam Sugeon Dance, Honam Sugeon Dance, Jeong Sosan, Sin Gwan Cheol

This study aims to examine the value and transmission directions of dances designated as cultural heritage from the Five Northern Provinces (Ibuk 5-do) transmitted in South Korea: Hwagwanmu from Hwanghae Province, Pyeongyang Geommu and Pyeongnam Sugeonnchum from South Pyongan Province, Gim Baekbong's buchaechum (Fan Dance), and Hambuk Seonnyeochum from North Hamgyeong Province. The research research draws primarily on historical literature and institutional materials from the Five Northern Provinces Committee. The study confirms how practitioners transmitters have preserved the cultural heritage of the northern provinces through the Japanese colonial period and national division, and analyzes the artistic, regional, and educational value of each dance. The findings suggests the need for a sustainable transmission system: first, securing transmission records through archiving; second, establishing a systemic framework for research on dance genealogy and related music; third, expanding the designation of new genres and strengthening collaboration within the Five Northern Provinces Committee; and finally, establishing an online platform for the cultural heritage of the Five Northern Provinces. These proposals lay the groundwork for future extension to include other dance genres and yet undesignated cultural heritage.

This study aims to establish the category of Korean traditional dance, in which Korean aesthetic consciousness and spiritual culture are embedded. The purpose is to explore the cultural-historical and policy implications of its inscription on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. By analyzing historical literature and current state of domestic transmission, the study approaches the subject from perspective of ‘typical form [jeonhyeong]’ the intersection of tradition and modern transmission. The results confirm that dance forms redefined as stage arts in the modern era constitute the foundation of contemporary Korean traditional dance Furthermore, UNESCO inscription facilitates the globalization of the identity of Korean arts and shifts the policy paradigm from ‘preservation’ to sustainable ‘transmission and promotion.’ This study is significant in proposing a cultural-historical category for Korean traditional dance and presenting policy recommendations for UNESCO inscription. It serves as a scholarly and policy foundation encompassing both the preservation of archetypal forms and modern re-creation.

This study examines the evolution of modern dance culture amidst the historical tribulations of the colonial era by analyzing dance photographs published in 1920s newspapers. Utilizing a literature review methodology, the research analyzes 317 photographs from Maeil Sinbo (154), Joseon Ilbo [Chosun Ilbo] (93), and Dong-a Ilbo (70). The analysis revealed three key findings. First, the photographs visually corroborate the heteronomous nature of dance culture under colonial rule. Second, they demonstrate the systematic assimilation of Japanese dance into colonial Korea. These images expose an imperialist agenda designed to manage and mobilize the colonized population under the pretext of artistic exchange. Third, despite such oppression, the photographs capture the emergence of a modern and subjective dance culture. This study holds significant value by providing a comprehensive pictorial understanding of the performing arts landscape during the Japanese occupation through the lens of newspaper photography. By re-evaluating these visual archives, the research illuminates the complex interplay between colonial hegemony and the pursuit of modern cultural identity in 1920s Korea.

This study examines how Han Seongjun’s aesthetics in Jeukheungmu were transmitted to Gang Seonyeong. Using documents from the Joseon Music and Dance Institute and oral accounts from Gang and her successor Gim Miran, the study employs an interpretive method. Han’s instruction- “gcombine the learned movements and create your own dance”-shows his view of Jeukheungmu as a form of individuality and inner freedom. Gang embodied this lineage through affective contrasts of stillness and sudden release and the coexistence of joy and sorrow. Testimony on the “six movements” confirms Jeukheungmu as a core creative-pedagogical system reflecting Han’s aesthetics. This study clarifies how freedom and emotion are inherited within Korean dance.

The purpose of this study is to examine how Gyeonggi-do Dang-gut has influenced contemporary dances that use jinsoe as a prop and to explore the ways in which these dances have developed. As research methods, prior studies were reviewed, and video materials were analyzed. Dances that utilize jinsoe and have been inherited and developed from the lineage of Gyeonggi-do Dang-gut include Lee Yong-woo and Kim Sook-ja’s Turbulim Dance, Lee Dong-an’s Jinsoe Dance, and Jo Heung-dong’s Jinsoe Dance. This study investigates the origins, forms, and artistic characteristics of these dances, as well as their relationship to the roots of Gyeonggi-do Dodang-gut. All of these works employ the rhythmic patterns (jangdan) of Gyeonggi-do Dodang-gut and either transform actions derived from the ritual sequence of gut into performing arts or transmit them through the formalization of artistic works. Jo Heung-dong’s Jinsoe Dance is further identified as a creatively developed work grounded in tradition.

This study examines the significance of shin minyo dance, a modern dance heritage that was popular from the 1930s to the 1960s, with particular focus on the works of Bae Guja, who created dances based on the folk songs Cheonan Samgeori and Doraji Taryeong. Employing a practice-based research methodology, the study centers on the processes of re-enactment and restoration, while analyzing the reproduction of these works in a contemporary context. The findings reveal that the living transmission of cultural heritage lies not merely in reproduction or restoration, but more importantly in the modern succession and sustainability of dance that reflects both national identity and regional characteristics. Furthermore, this research proposes creative methodologies for integrating the cultural value of traditional dance into contemporary society and underscores the significance of modern succession of modern dance heritage.

This study aims to understand the dance culture of the Joseon Dynasty through ‘dance paintings of imagined space’ and ‘dance paintings of folk space’. I used the methods of iconography and literature research. The results of the study are as follows. First, the performers of the dance were diverse, ranging from fairies to religious monks and shamans, entertainers such as gisaeng and sadangpae, dancers, noblemen, and farmers. Second, the background of the dance was mainly a feast. Third, the dance stage was set up outdoors with mats. Fourth, the types of dance were diverse. Fifth, the dance formation was mainly a duet. Sixth, the reason why the dance paintings were abundant is because the Joseon people enjoyed dancing, and dance was a very useful symbol when expressing exciting moments in life. The significance of the study is that the rich dance culture of the Joseon people was confirmed through paintings.

The purpose of this study is to investigate knowledge about Kim Baek-bong Fan Dance, which is designated as an intangible cultural heritage whose original form can be accurately identified among Fan Dances. Accordingly, this study conducted a survey of 236 people: Korean dance majors who have learned Kim Baek-bong Fan Dance in a school class for one semester, trainees and successors, those who have learned through a workshop, those who have briefly learned as a general special lecture, and those who have watched a performance.

As a result, the group of trainees and successors had a high correct answer rate overall in items related to the background of its creation, rhythm makeup, dance costume composition, aesthetic characteristics and fans, while the group that participated in general special lectures, workshops and watching tended to have a high incorrect answer rate.

This study recognizes the need for disseminating more accurate knowledge in a situation where fan dance is mistaken for a Chinese dance, and it is judged that this will contribute to exploring educational methods for the correct transmission of Korean intangible cultural heritage in the future.