UNESCO Set to Recognize Korean ‘Jang-Making’ Culture as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

SEOUL: Korea's tradition of making fermented sauces using soybeans is poised to join UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage. According to Yonhap News Agency, UNESCO's deliberative body has recommended "knowledge, beliefs, and practices related to jang-making in the Republic of Korea" for inscription.The Republic of Korea, officially known as South Korea, has a rich tradition of "jang," a fermented soybean-based condiment integral to Korean cuisine. Varieties such as "doenjang" (soybean paste), "ganjang" (soy sauce), and "gochujang" (red pepper paste) are staples in Korean dishes. Jang-making, a tradition that has been passed down through generations since the Three Kingdoms period (57 B.C.-A.D. 668), involves not just the final sauce but the entire process from ingredient preparation to fermentation.During the Joseon Dynasty (1391-1910), jang held such importance that royal storerooms were dedicated to its storage, overseen by court ladies. Korean jang is distinguished from other cultures' fermente d soybean practices by its unique methods, including the production of "meju" (fermented soybean blocks) and the distinctive technique of creating both doenjang and ganjang from the same meju.In 2018, the cultural value of jang-making was recognized as a national intangible heritage. The UNESCO evaluation committee highlighted the significance of jang culture as central to Korean culinary tradition, noting that each household's unique taste and method reflect their family history and tradition.The final decision on the inscription is anticipated between Dec. 2-7, during the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage meeting in Asuncion, Paraguay. If inscribed, jang-making would become South Korea's 23rd entry on the UNESCO list, joining other cultural elements such as ancestral royal rites and the traditional dance "ganggangsullae."This year, 58 applications were submitted for UNESCO's consideration, with 57 recommended for inscription, including North Korea's appli cation for the "Custom of Korean costume: traditional knowledge, craft skills and social practices." If successful, it would be North Korea's fifth addition to the intangible heritage list.