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In a move aimed at preserving and promoting traditional cultural values, the Korean Heritage Administration – the state agency responsible for managing, protecting, and promoting national heritage values – has officially recognized Korean calligraphy as a national intangible cultural heritage. This decision marks a significant milestone in the preservation and development of calligraphy art in Korea.
Alongside the recognition, the Korean Heritage Administration is committed to implementing various scientific research programs and cultural initiatives to promote the dissemination of calligraphy to the public. Through these efforts, the Administration hopes to raise awareness of the unique spiritual and artistic value of Korean calligraphy, while encouraging active community participation in preserving and promoting this precious cultural heritage.
Seo-ye (Korean: 서예) is a traditional Korean art form of calligraphy that evokes a wide range of emotions and profound humanistic values.
The Korean Heritage Administration asserts that Korean calligraphy is not merely a form of writing, but a comprehensive art form, combining the beauty of the characters, the subtlety in the use of ink and brush, and profound knowledge of culture, history, and philosophy. With its unique Hangeul alphabet, Korean calligraphy has become a distinctive cultural symbol of the country, appearing frequently in literary works, books, and even in the daily lives of its people.
Korean calligraphy involves the act of writing with ink and brushes using a unique alphabet, imbued with traditional knowledge. Korean calligraphy has a long history, appearing frequently in literary works, books, and everyday forms of communication.
To create calligraphic works, writers use brushes, calligraphic paper, ink, and inkstones. In Korea, these four items are known as the Four Treasures of Calligraphy (문방사우) and are often found in the study rooms of traditional houses.
Hangeul was created in 1443 under the direction of King Sejong of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Korean calligraphy has been maintained to this day as an important means of recording Korean life on various materials, not limited to paper but also including metal, stone, and textiles.
What is remarkable is that Hangeul was widely used from the imperial court to commoners, in literary works and everyday correspondence, with many different scripts and writing styles.
According to the Korean Heritage Administration, Korean calligraphy possesses a unique writing style and delicate beauty that distinguishes it from that of neighboring countries. Currently, Korean calligraphy is being disseminated through various educational institutions and is expanding its reach into many fields such as media and performing arts, creating cultural diversity and showcasing rich creativity.
