Listen to the Story of the Nine Children of the Dragon and the Mystical Imaginary Creatures. ○ Since ancient times, people have expressed their dreams and hopes for life through the symbolism of animals. Traditional crafts often feature animal motifs, each carrying its own unique story. By listening to the tales  of the nine children of the dragon and other mysterious imaginary creatures, what once seemed distant or difficult about traditional crafts may begin to feel more approachable. Imagine the Tenth Child of the Dragon. ○ Each mysterious creature carved into traditional crafts carries its own unique story. Through this exhibition, we invite you to reflect on the characters and tales behind these animals. As you explore, let your imagination take flight—what would the tenth child of the dragon look like? What stories might you create as its successor? Let yourself dream, wonder, and become part of the legend. 1. About Exhibition [Dragon and Stories of Nine Children of the Dragon] ○ The Dragon is a mythical creature imagined and shaped by human culture. In the ancient medical text Compendium of Materia Medica Bencao Gangmu , the dragon’s appearance is described as follows: “Its head resembles a camel’s, its horns a deer’s, eyes like a rabbit’s, ears like an ox’s, neck like a snake’s, belly like a large clam (shin), scales like a carp’s, claws like a hawk’s, and its paws like a tiger’s. Its back is covered with 81 scales...”It is a creature composed of the finest traits from different animals, and thus, truly worthy of being called the greatest of all beings. Among animals, the dragon stands as a leader, a symbol of supreme power and ability. ○ An ancient text titled Jinju-seon The Pearl Ship  tells of the dragon having nine children, each with a unique character. They are: Bihi贔屭, Yimoon螭吻 Porwe蒲牢, Pye-an狴犴 Docheol饕餮, Gongha蚣蝦, Aeja睚眦, Sanye 狻貎, and Chodo椒圖. Like other imaginary creatures, the appearances of the dragon’s nine children vary depending on the era or the artwork in which they are depicted.  [Stories of Four Mystical Animals] ○ In the ancient text Book of Rites Yegi,禮記 , there is a reference to four mystical animals regarded as divine beings: the dragon, girin, phoenix, and turtle. These are collectively known as the ‘Four Sacred Creatures saryeong, 四靈’, and it is said they appear only in times of great peace and harmony. The girin represents deep faith and loyalty; the phoenix governs with wisdom; the turtle can divine fortune and misfortune; and the dragon excels in the power of transformation. 2. Program <Create Your Own Imaginary Animal Glasses> ○ Choose a pair of glasses inspired by the eyes of one of the dragon’s nine children, available at the exhibition entrance, and wear them as you tour the exhibition. Then, in the craft area, design and create your own unique “Tenth Dragon Child” glasses to take home. <Live Sketch: Imaginary Adventure> ○ At the final “Live Sketch” corner of the exhibition, color in one of the imaginary animal characters drawn on paper. Then, scan your artwork to see your colored creature come to life in 3D on screen. Bring your creation to life in vibrant color, and help complete this whimsical, shared world of imagination. 3. Period : 2025. 5. 28.(Wed) ~ 10. 17.(Fri) 4. Opening Hours : 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM(Closed on Mondays, Chuseok day) 5. Admission Fee : Free 6. Location : 406, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea   ○ Line 9, Bundang Line Seonjeongneung Station Exit 3 7. Hosted & Organized by : Korea Heritage Agency 8. Sponsored by : PORSCHE 9. Contact : +82-2-3011-2155 <About Korea Heritage Agency> Established in 1981 by the Korea Cultural Heritage Service and currently managed and operated by the Korea Heritage Agency, the National Intangible Heritage Training Center is a dedicated cultural space for preserving and passing down Korea’s intangible heritage. It serves as a hub for the transmission of traditional skills and knowledge, while also offering a wide range of performances, exhibitions, and hands-on experiences. This space invites the public to engage with and enjoy the richness of Korea’s traditional culture.

K-Heritage rediscovers and conveys the beauty of Korean culture and tradition, which has been passed down through our lives for a long time, under the name of 'K-Heritage.' Traditional culture, which is imbued with the life and nature of a country, creates a sense of empathy that transcends time. Discover and express the beauty of tradition in your daily life through K-Heritage products that convey the charm and value of various Korean traditional cultures, from royal court culture to daily life. The National Heritage Promotion Agency (hereinafter referred to as the “Promotion Agency”) is a public institution under the National Heritage Administration, and carries out various public projects and international cooperation work to preserve and promote national heritage. Among them, we are operating the cultural product brand K.Heritage (Korea Heritage) to continue the national heritage and the online traditional culture theme shop K-Heritage Store (Korea Heritage Store) to expand sales channels. Offline sales locations include Incheon Airport Korean Traditional Culture Center, Sarang_Gyeongbokgung Palace, Sarang_Deoksugung Palace, Sarang_Changdeokgung Palace, Sarang_National Palace Museum, and Sarang_Korean House Cafe & Art Shop. Here, you can find not only works by traditional craft artists, but also cultural products that utilize traditional pattern techniques. Folk Painting for All 'Folk Painting for All' is a program where participants can create their own folk painting characters based on the folk paintings of Kim Hong-do, a renowned folk painter from the Joseon Dynasty. The biggest festival happening in all five Joseon dynasty palaces, Jongmyo and Shrine! Let's enjoy the palaces of today with Royal Culture Festival. https://kchfstore.or.kr/category/folk-painting-for-all/120/ Deoksugung Palace Brand Cultural Product Deoksugung Palace, a repository of Korea's modern history, served as a royal palace twice during the Joseon Dynasty. Its origins as a palace that traces back to King Seonjo, who used the residence of Prince Wolsan as a temporary palace (Jeongneung-dong Haenggung) upon returning from his refuge during the Japanese invasions. Later, King Gwanghaegun renamed it Gyeongungung after relocating to Changdeokgung Palace. In 1897, King Gojong returned from the Russian Legation and once again used it as a royal palace. Emperor Gojong rebuilt and revitalized the pavilions of Gyeongungung Palace to elevate the status of the Korean Empire. However, his efforts were thwarted by Japanese interference, and Gyeongungung began to be referred to as Deoksugung. The construction of Western-style buildings in Deoksugung reflected Emperor Gojong's aspirations for Korea to stand as a modern and independent nation on equal footing with Western powers. Unfortunately, this dream was crushed when Emperor Gojong was forced to abdicate in 1907 due to Japan's objection to the dispatch of the Hague emissaries. From this time onward, Gyeongungung became known as Deoksugung. The Seokjojeon Hall, a representative Western-style building of the Korean Empire, and the plum blossoms, a symbol of the Korean imperial family, have been brought to life as cultural products for today's audience. These products capture the exquisite architectural beauty of Seokjojeon and incorporate the plum blossom motif into everyday items, evoking the dignity of the once-forgotten royal family. This is an opportunity to revisit Deoksugung, where the historically significant pavilions, each carrying their own story, stand together in harmony. https://kchfstore.or.kr/category/deoksugung-palace-brand-cultural-product/128/ 2025 Blue snake year product This product features snake illustrations to celebrate 2025, the Year of the Snake. The featured artwork is courtesy of design by Heo Jiyoung. https://kchfstore.or.kr/category/year-of-the-blue-snake/236/

The Global Ambassador Program is now open to promote the ‘2025 Korea World Heritage Festival’, a celebration of Korea's UNESCO World Heritage sites. The program aims to share the value of Korea’s World Heritage with the world through the active participation of foreign nationals residing in Korea. 1. Recruitment Overview   ○ Application Period : May 30 (Fri) – June 16 (Mon), 2025, until 16:00   ○ Eligibility : Any Foreign nationals residing in Korea   ○ Eligibility Requirements     - Foreign nationals currently residing or staying in Korea with noissues regarding their visa or stay status     - Individuals who have a strong interest in Korea’s World Heritage Festival and are willing to actively participate      - Must own a public personal SNS account and be capable of creating and promoting content in both their native language and Korean     - Must be able to attend the full ambassador program schedule and participate in at least one official event of The Korean World Heritage Festival     - Must be able to communicate in Korean   ○ Number of Participants: 20 people 2. Key Dates  *Dates are subject to change key dates Category Schedule Contents Application May 30 (Fri) - 4PM, Jun 16 (Mon), 2025 Submit via Google Form Announcement of Interviewees Jun 19 (Thu), 2025 Selected applicants will be contacted individually Interview Jun 23 (Mon), 2025 Online Interview (Individual) Final Selection Announcement Jun 25 (Wed), 2025 Selected applicants will be contacted individually Orientation Jun 26 (Thu) or 27 (Fri), 2025 Overview of detailed schedule On-Site Program Jul 4 (Fri) - Jul 8 (Tue), 2025 Visits to Jeju, Gyeongju, Suncheon, and Gochang *Full attendance required for all scheduled activities 2025 World Heritage Festival Jeju : Jul 4 (Fri) - Jul 22 (Sun), 2025 Gyeongju : Sep 12 (Fri) - Oct 3 (Fri), 2025 Suncheon : Sep 12 (Fri) - Oct 3 (Fri), 2025 Gochang : Oct 2 (Thu) - Oct 22 (Wed), 2025 *Attendance required at least once during the program period 3. Activity Plan   ○ Activity Period : July ~ November   ○ Main Activities :      - Create at least 4 SNS contents for pre-promotion and participation in The Korean World Heritage Festival programs     - Participate in and monitor foreigner-targeted programs hosted by local governments during the World Heritage Festival   ○ Benefits:     - All travel expenses covered (transportation, accommodation, meals, etc.)     - Honorarium for submitted content and additional benefits for outstanding works     - Invitation to join the main World Heritage Festival Attendance required at least once during the program period 4. How to Apply   ○ Submission : Via Google Form and Consent to Collection and Use of Personal Information (Submission link)     *  Submissions by mail, fax, or in person will not be accepted 5. Inquiries   ○ E-mail : kha.ambassador@gmail.com   ○ Regional Cooperation Team, Korea Heritage Agency (02-3011-7774)   ○ Global Ambassador Program Coordinator, World Heritage Festival (02-3406-2261)

- May 2 (Fri) – May 18 (Sun), 2025 | The Lavery Gallery 10, London The Korea Heritage Service, in collaboration with the Korea Heritage Agency, debuts in ‘London Craft week’, UK.  ‘London Craft Week’ is an annual festival held across the city of London since 2015. Celebrating craftsmanship and creativity, the event brings together artists, designers, institutions, and brands from diverse fields such as design, fashion, art, and luxury. In 2024, the festival welcomed participation from over 200 partners worldwide and attracted approximately 250,000 visitors. This marks the Korea Heritage Service’s first participation in the event, presenting an exhibition that highlights the artistic excellence and cultural significance of Korea’s traditional craftsmanship rooted in intangible cultural heritage. The exhibition also explores contemporary reinterpretations of these time-honored techniques, demonstrating their enduring relevance and creative potential in today’s world. Titled K-Craft in London Objects of Beautification, the exhibition will feature a curated selection of everyday objects presented under K.CRAFT, a brand showcasing Korea’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage crafts. Drawing inspiration from the traditional sabangtakja—a four-sided open cabinet used during the Joseon Dynasty—the exhibition will showcase 82 works across 28 craft categories, with selected pieces available for purchase. The exhibition includes works developed through the Traditional Craft Design Collaboration Support Program. This initiative supports collaborations between Korea’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage artisans and designers active today to develop traditional crafts with contemporary relevance.  Featured works include: • Letter knife: A reinterpretation of the small personal knives used across genders and generations in the Joseon era, created by Park Jong-gun (Artisan of Jangdojang, Knife Making) in consultation with Kim Ju-il (CEO, DesignJoo). • Mirage Vase: A striking vase decorated with silver inlay, crafted by Nam Kyung-sook (Artisan of Jogakjang, Metal Engraving),in consultation with Adjunct Professor Lee Sam-woong (Woodworking & Furniture Design, Hongik University). • Inlay Brooch: Featuring intricate geometric patterns created using traditional wire inlay techniques, crafted by Seung Kyung-ran (Artisan of Ipsajang, Silver or Gold Inlaying),in consultation with Assistant Professor Chung Ho-yeon (Metal Craft & Design, SeoulTech) • Leather Gold Leaf Imprint Durujumeoni: A luxurious leather pouch with intricate gold leaf work, created by Park Su-young (Artisan of Geumbakjang,Gold Leaf Imprinting), in consultation with designer Kim Ju-il. • Quilted Silk Scarf: A modern reinterpretation of traditional hand quilting, created by Ha Eun-jung(Artisan of Nubijang, Quilting), in consultation with Kim Hyun-ji (CEO, 1YearPerformance). • Sanhwa mobile: Lotus leaf: A contemporary transformation of court floral decorations into hanging sculptures, designed by Kim Joo-young(Artisan of GungjungChaehwa, Royal Silk Flower Making), in consultation with Seo Hyun-jin (CEO, Studio ORIGIN). The exhibition also features certified works recognized under Korea’s Traditional Craft Certification Program — a government-led accreditation system that authenticates the craftsmanship and artistic excellence of traditional heritage objects, reinforcing their cultural value and institutional trust. Featured works include:  • Hapjukseon:A folding bamboo fan by Holder Kim Dong-sik and Certified trainee Kim Dae-sung (Artisan of Seonjajang, Fan Making). *Hapjuk is a traditional Korean technique of joining thin strips of bamboo, often used in crafting fans. • Seoan Tea Table:A tea table inspired by the traditional Korean scholar’s desk (seoan), originally used for reading and writing, reimagined with a built-in storage box for holding small items — blending contemplative aesthetics with practical utility, by Kim Dong-gyu (Artisan of Somokjang, Wood Furniture Making). • Tassel Clutch:Tassel Clutch, a modern clutch inspired by the durujumeoni — a small traditional pouch worn around the waist — and adorned with decorative Korean knots, by Kim Si-jae (Artisan of Maedeupjang, Decorative Knotting). • Fresh mosi (ramies):Created using UNESCO-recognized techniques, by Kim Sun-hee(Artisan of HansanMosiJjagi, Fine Ramie Weaving of Hansan). Through its debut participation in London Craft Week, the Korea Heritage Service and Korea Heritage Agency aim to elevate the global profile of Korea’s intangible heritage crafts. Their commitment to expanding international outreach and increasing market access for traditional Korean crafts will continue in the years ahead. Attachment.  London Craft Week Artwork List  

- Morning strolls, royal dessert making, Hanbok experiences and more at five palaces and Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul (Apr26–May 4) - Special programs for children (Children's K-Royal Culture Festival), people of distinguished service to independence (Spring Day at Gyeonghoeru Pavilion), and foreigners (The Emperor’s Dining Table) also available 2025 Royal Ancestral Ritual Music Nighttime Performance at the Jongmyo Shrine About Program(Reserveation) 2025 Spring K-Royal Culture Festival Changgyeonggung Palace - Welcome, You in Hanbok About Program(Reserveation) 2025 Spring K-Royal Culture Festival Deoksugung Jungmyeongjeon - The Emperor's Dining Table About Program(Reserveation) 2025 Spring K-Royal Culture Festival Gyeonghoeru Pavilion Special Tour - Time Travel to the Joseon Dynasty About Program(Reserveation) 2025 Spring K-Royal Culture Festival - Awakening the Morning Palace About Program(Reserveation) The Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the Korea Heritage Service (Director Lee Jae-phil), in collaboration with the Korea Heritage Agency (President Choi Young-chang), will host "Spring K-Royal Culture Festival 2025" from April 26 to May 4 at five palaces—Gyeongbokgung,Changdeokgung,Deoksugung,Changgyeonggung, and Gyeonghuigung—as well as Jongmyo Shrine.   Celebrating its 11th edition, "K-Royal Culture Festival" stands as South Korea's largest national heritage festival, showcasing traditional cultural content against the backdrop of historic palaces. In 2024, the combined spring and autumn festivals attracted over 960,000 visitors, both domestic and international. "Spring K-Royal Culture Festival 2025" will focus on▲improving programs associated with national intangible heritage—such as traditional crafts and hanbok lifestyle▲Special programs associated with ‘King Sejong the Great’s Birthday’▲strengthening interactive programs that encourage visitor participation and ▲expanding offerings tailored for international audiences, thereby providing a wider variety of programs further improved from the previous year. ▲ At Gyeongbokgung Palace, the K-Royal Culture Festival Opening Ceremony will be held on April 25, followed by a wide range of programs—including performances, hands-on experiences, and exhibitions—that offer an immersive look into the essence of the Joseon Dynasty's royal court culture. "A Time Travel, King Sejong " (April 26–30) is a large-scale interactive program set throughout the Gyeongbokgung grounds. Visitors can take part in various activities such as“New Commers of Royal Palace,”which offers experiences like making royal desserts and learning traditional court dances, as well as“Royal Palace Daily Life,” a small-scale theatrical performance, and“A Journey Through The Night,”a self-guided nighttime tour of the palace’s northern sector.   At Geunjeongjeon Hall in Gyeongbokgung,“Palace Concert: A Performance by 100 Artists”(May 3–5) will take the stage. A total of 100 master musicians will deliver majestic and vibrant performances of traditional court music, including Daechwita, Yeomillak, and Chunaengjeon, against the historic backdrop of Geunjeongjeon.   There are programs specially designed for children and national merit recipients too.“Children’s K-Royal Culture Festival”(May 2–4) offers activities where children can experience seven traditional professions from the Joseon era, including royal chefs, physicians, embroiderers, and members of the military band. None of the Children's K-Royal Culture Festival programs require prior reservation. "Spring Day at Gyeonghoeru Pavilion" (April 26–May 4) is a special program commemorating the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, which invites people of distinguished service to independence and other socially vulnerable groups to the palace. Invited guests can wear traditional Korean attire, ascend the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, and enjoy traditional performances and refreshments.    At Heungnyemun Gate Square in Gyeongbokgung,“K-Heritage Market” (April 26–May 4) will take place. Booths will be set up to sell crafts by designated intangible heritage holders and traditional cultural goods. In particular, this year’s market will include food booths where visitors can enjoy traditional Korean snacks, enhancing the festive atmosphere.  ▲ Programs taking place at Changdeokgung Palace include "Awakening the Morning Palace (Apr 30–May 4)," which offers a guided morning walk at the palace area, and "The Queen's Wardrobe (Apr 30–May 4)," where the participants can try on traditional Hanbok for photo shoots. Especially, with last year's popularity of "Awakening the Morning Palace," additional sessions for foreigners have been added. The program for foreigners will be guided by Fabien, a French broadcaster in Korea. ▲At Changgyeonggung Palace’sMyeongjeongjeon Hall, the craft exhibition“Embracing: Palace Atmospheres”(April 26–May 4) will be held. The exhibition will feature works by designated intangible cultural heritage holders and trainees, alongside pieces by contemporary artisans who reinterpret traditional crafts through a modern lens.   At Yanghwadang Hall in Changgyeonggung, a new program titled “Welcome, You in Hanbok”(April 30–May 4) will invite visitors to wear traditional hanbok and enjoy a romantic palace trail that connects Changgyeonggung and Changdeokgung.   In addition,“Moonlight Lotus Show at Changgyeonggung Palace” nighttime sightseeing program (April 26–May 4) will offer a special evening ambiance, with media art installations illuminating Daechundangji and Sochundangji Ponds. ▲ At Jungmyeongjeon Hall in Deoksugung Palace, a new program titled“The Emperor's Dining Table”(May 1–3) will be introduced for international visitors. It is a culinary talk show where guests can taste dishes of the Korean Empire’s royal court while listening to historical stories. The program will be conducted in English.   At Deokhongjeon Hall in Deoksugung,“Royal Recreations Club” (April 26–May 4) will offer experiences related to the leisure culture enjoyed by Emperor Gojong during the Korean Empire, including music and sports. The atmosphere of Deoksugung will be further enhanced with savory coffee (gabae) tastings and special performances, and“Royal Recreations Club”is open to the public without prior reservation.   At Jeukjodang Hall in Deoksugung, a fusion Korean music performance titled“Pungryu with Disney”(Apr 27, May 1, May 4) will feature Disney theme songs reinterpreted in traditional Korean musical styles. "Pungryu with Disney" does not require prior reservation. ▲ At Gyeonghuigung Palace, a new program titled“Gyeonghuigung Palace Night Walk”(April 26–28) will take visitors on a guided tour of the palace grounds. Through stories of the kings who once resided at Gyeonghuigung, the program will shed light on the palace’s historical significance while allowing visitors to enjoy guided tours, traditional performances, and tastings of traditional tea.   In addition, a variety of walk-in programs will be offered, including “K-Royal Culture Festival Stamp Tour,”“Royal Court Games Playroom” joined by volunteers known as "Gungidungi", and“Gilnori: Traditional Performance Parade,”a festive performance that weaves through the palace grounds.    Programs requiring advance reservations can be booked through Ticketlink (www.ticketlink.co.kr), and programs for international participants can be booked via Creatrip (www.creatrip.com).   For more details on the K-Royal Culture Festival, please visit the official website (kh.or.kr/fest), follow the official Instagram account (@royalculturefestival_official), or contact the Palace Utilization Program Call Center at ☎ 1522-2295 or the Ticketlink Help Center at ☎ 1588-7890. The Korea Heritage Agency is eager to continue to design and operate unique and original programs for “K-Royal Culture Festival” so people of all ages and nationalities can enjoy the beauty of Korean heritages.

We came to learn national heritage conservation and restoration techniques in Pakistan and Laos Korea Heritage Agency to hold training program for national heritage practitioners from Pakistan and Laos in 2025 The Korea Heritage Service (Administrator Choi Eung-chon) is conducting the "2025 National Heritage ODA Invitation Training Program" in cooperation with the Korea Heritage Agency (President Choi Young-chang) by inviting national heritage professionals from Pakistan and Laos to Korea. This invitation program is part of the National Heritage ODA Project, which aims to strengthen the capacity of cultural heritage restoration and conservation officials from Pakistan and Laos, and to promote international cooperation to build a sustainable foundation for cultural heritage management. The training program for Pakistani officials was held from 9th to 18th September and lasted 10 days. A total of 19 officials from the National Heritage and Culture Department of Pakistan and other national heritage-related agencies participated. Through visits to Seoul, Sejong, Gyeongju and Gyeonggi-do, the participants gained insights into Korea's experience in securing UNESCO World Heritage status and its management systems. The main program included ▲ a visit to the International Centre for the Interpretation and Presentation of World Heritage Sites, ▲ field trips to World Heritage sites such as Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju, ▲ on-site investigation of the inscription and management of Namhansanseong Fortress as a World Heritage site, and ▲ a workshop on the preparation of an implementation plan for World Heritage management. During the workshop, the trainees developed a strategy for nominating Pakistan’s heritage sites for UNESCO World Heritage Sites and presented implementation plans. Muhammad Haseeb Akif, a researcher from the Department of Archaeology and Museums of the National Heritage and Culture Division of Pakistan, said, "I was deeply impressed by how Korea's national heritage is systematically researched and managed. Although Pakistan has excellent national heritage sites such as Mohenjo-Daro, it lacks proper management, which is unfortunate. I would like to share what I learned during the training with my colleagues in Pakistan when I return“. Meanwhile, The invitional training program for Laos will take place over seven days from 11th to 17th May. The program aims to strengthen digital conservation and scientific conservation technology skills through visits to the National Museum of Korea and field education at world heritage sites in Korea. In addition, participants will attend the 61st Spring Academic Conference of the Korean Society of Conservation Science for Cultural Heritage and present the results of the joint restoration project of the Hong Nang Sida Temple in Laos, conducted in collaboration with Korean and Laotian experts. Na Jeong-hee, Director General of the International Cooperation Center of the Korea Heritage Agency, said, "This invitation program was planned based on the experience of projects in Pakistan and Laos, with the aim of promoting communication with experts from the host countries. It will serve as a successful case study of international cooperation through cultural heritage that goes beyond mere education. We will continue to share our expertise in cultural heritage preservation with countries beyond Asia and strive to disseminate Korea's conservation technologies worldwide.