1. During its 15^th session held from December 14 to 19 in a virtual format, UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage made the final decision on the afternoon of December 16, Paris time, to inscribe “Yeondeunghoe, lantern lighting festival in the Republic of Korea” on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO.

2. The Intergovernmental Committee noted that Yeondeunghoe presents cultural diversity, with its inclusiveness which transformed over time, helping overcome boundaries of nationality, ethnicity, religion and disabilities, and that it plays a particularly significant role in temporarily erasing social boundaries, sharing pleasure and happiness, and helping people overcome the troubles of the day.

° In particular, the Intergovernmental Committee commended the application file for Yeondeunghoe’s inscription as a good example that contributes to ensuring the visibility and awareness of the significance of intangible cultural heritage.

3. The inscription of Yeondeunghoe as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO is the outcome of the cooperation among the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Cultural Heritage Administration and the Yeondeunghoe Safeguarding Association that began in the preparation process. Along with Korea’s election as a member of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage this year, the inscription has contributed to enhancing Korea’s clout and standing in the area of intangible cultural heritage.

4. Korea now has 21 intangible cultural heritages. The Korean government will continue efforts to promote its outstanding traditional culture across the international community and to contribute to enhancing cultural diversity and creativity of humanity pursuant to the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the intangible Cultural Heritage.