United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural OrganizationThe Republic of Korea joined UNESCO on June 14, 1950. The country is covered by the UNESCO Cluster Office in Beijing.
The creation in 2004 of the UNESCO/Jikji Memory of the World Prize is an example of the cooperation between UNESCO and the Republic of Korea. It is awarded every two years for outstanding contributions to documentary heritage preservation.
The country has seven cultural sites and one natural site on the World Heritage List and contributes generously to the World Heritage Fund. It has also provided technical and financial assistance to the neighbouring People’s Democratic Republic of Korea in restoring the Koguryo tombs.
The Republic of Korea/UNESCO Funds-in-Trust project is devoted to preserving cultural heritage through the establishment of “Living Human Treasures” systems.
The Gangneung Danoje Festival was proclaimed a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005, after the Pansori Epic Chant in 2003 and the Royal Ancestral Rite and Ritual music in Jongmyo Shrine in 2001.
UNESCO is cooperating with the Korea International Agency (KOICA) and the World Technopolis association on Science and Technology Park development.