Korea Heritage Service to Replace Cultural Heritage Administration in Comprehensive Restructuring

Courtesy of KHS

The Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) of South Korea will be officially renamed the Korea Heritage Service, effective May 17, as confirmed by a CHA official on Monday.

The decision to change the name, approved by the National Assembly in April 2023, is part of broader efforts to revamp the agency and bring it closer to the public. A senior CHA official stated that the shift from "administration" to "service" aims to foster a more inclusive and relatable image with the public. 

▲ The Korea Heritage Service logo / Courtesy of KHSAdditional changes are set to take effect on May 17, including the replacement of "cultural properties" with "national heritage." The categorization of heritage will align with UNESCO classifications, grouping them into natural, cultural, or intangible heritage.

During an annual briefing in late February, CHA chief Choi Eung-chon outlined parallel initiatives in conjunction with the structural overhaul. The agency plans to implement sweeping deregulations and expand outreach efforts as part of its new role and value.

The proposed changes involve easing regulations related to developers' costs for prescreening artifacts underground during construction and facilitating the exchange of artworks. Specifically, restrictions mandating local artworks created more than 50 years ago to undergo government review before leaving the country will be relaxed.

Choi expressed support for joint museum exhibitions with global institutions and foreign aid projects aimed at assisting countries in preserving their cultural heritage. Currently, Seoul is actively involved in preservation projects in Egypt and Cambodia.

Sayart

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com