100 Cultural Symbols of Korea

The 100 Cultural Symbols of Korea  were selected by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (at the time of selection, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism) of South Korea on 26 July 2006, judging that the Korean people are representative among cultures formed based on spatial and temporal homogeneity from the past to the present.

Goal
The 100 cultural symbols of Korea are 100 symbols developed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to find the cultural genes of the Korean people that encompass Korean tradition and modernity. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the 100 cultural symbols provide a foundation for modern succession to Korean traditional culture and economic added value based on Korean traditional culture. It also plays a role in enhancing and promoting a positive image of the culture of the Korean people.

Excavation target and selection criteria
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism selected the 100 cultural symbols that represent Korean national culture that encompasses tradition and modernity into six categories: national symbols, territorial and natural symbols, historical symbols, social and life symbols, faith and thought symbols, language and art symbols. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has decided on the following criteria for selecting the 100 Cultural Symbols of Korea.


 * It should have symbolism as a cultural prototype that forms the ethos of the Korean people (national and social character and customs).
 * Industrialization should be possible as cultural content.
 * It should contribute to the globalization of Korean culture, such as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
 * Symbols that are common to the two Koreas should also be included in order to form a unified culture.
 * Prioritize the selection of symbols related to international disputes.