The Korea Heritage Service posted an incorrect explanation on its website for years that Korean traditional knots were made under the influence of China, deleting it only recently.
According to data released on the 24th by Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Park Soo-hyun, a member of the Culture. Sports. and Tourism Committee of the National Assembly, the Korea Heritage Service website carried the statement, "Korea's knots were influenced by China due to frequent exchanges with China."
Designated as a national intangible heritage in 1968, maedeupjang (knot craft master) is a uniquely Korean traditional craft that has continued since the Goryeo and Joseon eras.
However, as the Korea Heritage Service described on its website that it was influenced by China, China's largest search portal Baidu has carried numerous posts since 2021 saying that "Korean knots originated in China."
A news article reported in Jan. 2021 also reportedly included the claim, citing a capture of the Korea Heritage Service website, that "Korean knots came in through China." It was also reported that some in China said urgent measures are needed to prevent a recurrence of cultural distortion.
After Park's office raised the issue, the expression was deleted on the 1st, but the Korea Heritage Service said it is difficult to determine exactly when it was first displayed.
According to materials the Korea Heritage Service submitted to Park's office, China claims that a total of 20 Korean intangible heritages, including Arirang, gayageum, nongak, and kimjang, are its own culture. Of these, eight have not yet been designated as Korea's national heritage, and six were registered by China as its intangible heritage before Korea.
Park said, "At a time when K-content is leading the world, the risk of cultural encroachment is growing, with Korean cultural heritage being distorted as belonging to other countries," adding, "Swift and effective measures are urgent, including establishing a dedicated organization and preparing response manuals."