Based on the joint application of North Korea and South Korea, the Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which is being held in Port Louis, Mauritius, decided to include the Korean traditional wrestling “Hirimu” in the “List of Representatives of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azule said that "It is unprecedented for North Korea and South Korea to agree to merge their separate applications."

"Xirimu" is also known as "North Korea Wrestling" or "Korean Wrestling", which is of great significance to the North Korea and South Korea people. It is closely related to land and agricultural culture. It is both a national movement and a very popular cultural practice. People will regularly compete in agricultural activities or festivals related to the seasonal cycle.

This unprecedented joint application for the world heritage site can be realized thanks to the common will of the North Korea and South Korea. Under the coordination of UNESCO, the two sides agreed to merge their previous applications for the application of intangible cultural heritage.

Source: ihchina.cn

Time: 2018.11.27