The International Ssireum Federation (INSF) announced that it is pleased to have received an official letter from the National Heritage Administration of Korea (NHA).
In the official letter, the NHA emphasized that Ssireum is “a cultural heritage transmitted by communities that share intangible cultural heritage regionally or historically, possess a sense of solidarity and identity, and voluntarily realize and enjoy it.” This response officially confirms the legitimacy of the INSF’s global Ssireum transmission activities.
Strengthening the Global Transmission Network
This official response provides a solid legal and cultural foundation for the INSF’s ongoing efforts. By defining Ssireum as a “community-transmitted cultural heritage,” the NHA acknowledges the INSF’s mission as follows:
Strengthening Global Community Capacity: Acknowledging that Ssireum performers around the world are actively participating in preserving this tradition.
Securing the Legitimacy of International Transmission: Establishing that the international dissemination and practice of Northern-style Ssireum falls within the scope of legitimate cultural heritage realization. Promoting Sustainable Exchange: Strengthening the bonds and identity of members worldwide as true guardians of this traditional heritage.
“This response is a very important milestone,” said Song Jun-ho, founder of INSF. “The National Cultural Heritage Administration’s definition of Ssireum as a community-based intangible cultural heritage aligns perfectly with our vision. This provides the necessary official legitimacy for partners across Eurasia to confidently promote and teach this traditional heritage in their own countries as members of a truly global network.”
About INSF:
The International Ssireum Federation (INSF) is a global platform dedicated to the research, preservation, and transmission of Northern-style Ssireum. As an organization committed to global academic and cultural exchange, it takes the lead in fostering an integrated community of traditional Ssireum practitioners around the world.
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