INSF Proclaims the Establishment of the International Heritage Academy (IHA)

The International Northern Ssireum Federation (INSF) is proud to formally announce the establishment of the International Heritage Academy (IHA), a new global educational institution dedicated to the preservation, research, and transmission of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage.

A New Era for Global Heritage Education

The IHA is founded on a singular vision: to serve as a global hub that bridges the divide between ancient traditional wisdom and modern academic practice. By transcending geographical and cultural boundaries, the Academy aims to provide a standardized, high-level educational framework that empowers practitioners to become leaders in heritage conservation.

Pillars of Academic Authority

The legitimacy of the IHA is rooted in a foundation of rigorous governance and proven academic excellence:

• International Recognition: Operating under the INSF, the Academy benefits from the Federation’s status as a globally engaged organization recognized by United Nations frameworks, including its roles as a One Planet Network partner and participant in various UN Major Groups.
• Academic Integrity: The Academy is guided by the visionary leadership of Chancellor Hong-Taek Lim (Ph.D.), a distinguished scholar and former professor at the Digital Seoul Culture Arts University, ensuring the highest standards of research and instruction.
• Legacy of Excellence: The IHA carries forward a storied history of academic achievement, including the prestigious 2006 Korea Sports Council Research Award, symbolizing years of collaborative scholarly work with international institutions.
• Global Integration: With an extensive network of experts and faculty spanning the globe, the IHA provides the tools necessary to standardize the preservation of traditional martial arts and cultural practices.

Empowering Global Keepers of Culture

Central to the IHA’s mission is the belief that the true keepers of culture are the dedicated practitioners who have committed their lives to their craft. In line with this, the Academy is proud to appoint distinguished masters and directors from around the world as Professors of Heritage Studies. This prestigious appointment empowers these individuals to act as official ambassadors of global culture and academic leaders, equipping them to mentor the next generation of heritage stewards in their respective regions.

Commitment to a Sustainable Future

The International Heritage Academy remains steadfast in its dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

“We believe that by fostering an educated global community, we can ensure that our traditions are not merely remembered, but practiced and evolved for the future of humanity,” stated the Executive Board of INSF.

For more information regarding the International Heritage Academy and its global programs, please contact the INSF Secretariat.

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[Date: June 2026] Authorized by the Chancellor and the Executive Board of the International Northern Ssireum Federation (INSF)

PROCLAMATION OF ESTABLISHMENT

International Heritage Academy (IHA)

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN,

We, the International Northern Ssireum Federation (INSF), in partnership with distinguished academic leaders and global experts, hereby formally proclaim the establishment of the International Heritage Academy (IHA).

VISION & MISSION The International Heritage Academy is founded upon the commitment to preserve, research, and transmit the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. As a global educational hub, we strive to transcend geographical boundaries, bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and modern academic practice.

OUR PILLARS OF AUTHORITY The authority and legitimacy of IHA are built upon a rigorous foundation of global governance and academic excellence:

• International Recognition: Operating under the umbrella of the INSF, an organization officially recognized by the United Nations (NGO Branch, UNEVOC, One Planet Partner, and Major Groups).
• Academic Integrity: Guided by the visionary leadership of Chancellor Hong-Taek Lim (Ph.D.), a distinguished scholar and former professor at the Digital Seoul Culture Arts University.
• Legacy of Excellence: We inherit a legacy of academic rigor, including the prestigious 2006 Korea Sports Council Research Award and years of collaborative scholarly activities with international institutions.
• Global Integration: Through our extensive network of experts and faculty worldwide, we provide a standardized, high-level educational framework for the preservation of traditional martial arts and cultural heritage.

THE ROLE OF THE FACULTY The IHA recognizes that the true keepers of culture are the practitioners who have dedicated their lives to their craft. We are proud to appoint distinguished masters and directors from around the world as Professors of Heritage Studies. This appointment signifies their status as official ambassadors of global culture and academic leaders within our network, empowering them to educate, mentor, and lead the next generation of heritage stewards.

COMMITMENT The International Heritage Academy remains steadfast in its dedication to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. We believe that by fostering an educated global community, we can ensure that our traditions are not merely remembered, but practiced and evolved for the future of humanity.

[Date: June 2026] [Authorized by the Chancellor and the Executive Board of INSF]

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