The Committee

1. Takes note that the Republic of Korea has nominated Royal cuisine of the Joseon dynasty for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, described as follows:

Today’s traditional Korean cuisine derives largely from the royal cuisine of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910), originally served exclusively to the royal family. Composed of nearly 350 main dishes, side dishes, rice cakes, desserts and beverages, the cuisine is based on the principles of cosmic harmony and balance, so that animal and seasonal vegetable components are combined and tastes and colours are blended in each meal. The dishes feature vegetables, seafood, meat and poultry, and employ diverse cooking methods including scalding, steaming, boiling, roasting, blending, pickling and fermenting. The culinary tradition nearly became extinct with the end of the Joseon dynasty in 1910, but was revitalized by the private sector in the 1940s and 1950s, and is enjoyed by the general public today. Two designated masters and two specialized institutes are playing an active role in systematizing recipes, training practitioners and researching the food culture of the Joseon Dynasty. The masters, along with their disciples, are involved with introducing the royal cuisine to the public and private institutions, including teaching college students majoring in culinary arts. The cuisine is today an important element of national culture in the Republic of Korea.

2. Decides that, from the information provided in nomination file 00476, Royal cuisine of the Joseon dynasty satisfies the criteria for inscription on the Representative List, as follows:

R.3:   Safeguarding measures undertaken by two masters, the Korean Royal Institute of Cuisine and the communities concerned include raising awareness, academic studies, education and improving transmission modes;

R.5:   At the request of the groups and individuals concerned, the Royal Cuisine of the Joseon Dynasty was designated in 1970 as Important Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Division of the Cultural Heritage Administration.

3. Further decides that the information provided in nomination file 00476, Royal cuisine of the Joseon dynasty, is not sufficient to allow the Committee to determine whether the criteria for inscription on the Representative List are satisfied, as follows:

R.1:   Additional information would be needed to identify more clearly the community concerned with the element and its current social function for it, as well as to describe how the practice is recreated by its bearers and provides them a sense of identity and continuity today;

R.2:   The State should demonstrate clearly how inscription of the Royal cuisine of the Joseon dynasty on the Representative List could contribute to ensuring visibility of the intangible cultural heritage and awareness of its significance;

R.4:   Although two masters and two Institutes participated in the nomination process and provided their free, prior and informed consent, additional information is needed on the participation of a larger community outside the academic environment.

4. Decides to refer the nomination of Royal cuisine of the Joseon dynasty to the submitting State Party and invites it to resubmit the nomination in a subsequent cycle, providing the additional information specified with regard to criteria R.1, R.2 and R.4.