By Shim Sun-ah
Busan, South Korea, is set to host an extraordinary celebration of **Korean traditional skills** and **intangible cultural heritage** this July. The **Korea Heritage Service (KHS)** proudly announces a public showcase, ‘Living Heritage X ICH,’ running from July 20 to July 29 at the **BEXCO convention center** in Busan, approximately 330 kilometers southeast of Seoul. This significant event coincides with the 48th session of the **UNESCO World Heritage Committee**, marking the first time South Korea has had the honor of hosting such a prestigious global meeting. Designed to captivate international delegates and visitors, the showcase offers a unique window into the nation’s rich **cultural heritage**.
Co-organized with the Korea Heritage Agency, this immersive experience will feature revered **masters of traditional Korean crafts** demonstrating their intricate artistry.
Attendees will witness live demonstrations of exquisite **traditional skills**. From July 20-22, the spotlight will be on **gat-making** (traditional Korean hat craftsmanship), intricate **embroidery**, and authentic **traditional sewing**. Following an exhibition-only day on July 23, the focus shifts to the delicate art of **mother-of-pearl inlay**, expert **traditional wooden furniture making**, and unique **headgear craftsmanship** from July 24-26. The final three days, July 27-29, will showcase impressive **wood carving**, masterful **bow making**, elegant **wood sculpture**, and precise **metal engraving**.
Craft demonstrations will run daily from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., within the overall exhibition hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For a truly engaging experience, **hands-on programs** are also available. Visitors can craft their own miniature gats, hanbok-themed key rings, or mother-of-pearl tumblers. These free, 90-minute sessions will be held four times daily, offering a fantastic opportunity to create a piece of **Korean heritage**.
To participate, 120 slots are open for advance registration via the Korea Heritage Agency website, with an additional 365 on-site registrations available each day, ensuring broad access to these unique **cultural workshops**.
