UNESCO in KOREA

UNESCO in KOREA
UNESCO in KOREA
KOREAN NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR UNESCO

CONTENTS
UNESCO around the World
UNESCO in Korea
The Korean National Commission for UNESCO
Secretary-General’s Message
Programmes
Education
Natural Sciences
Social and Human Sciences
Culture
Communication and Information
Partnership Projects
International Cooperation
Publications
UNESCO Heritages in Korea
Financial Status in 2006
Activities in 2005-2006
Front Cover Photo
The cloisters in the Jeongjeon compound, Jongmyo Shrine, UNESCO World Heritage in Korea
Photo and copyright: Lee Sang-soo
UNESCO in KOREA

UNESCO around the World
The 27th UNESCO General Conference, 1993
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized
agency of the United Nations that was established in 1945 at the end of
World War II. UNESCO’s goals of contributing to peace and security were born out
of this period of conflict. Through the development of international collaborations
in education, science, and culture, UNESCO promotes the values of universal respect
for justice, the rule of law, and the human rights and fundamental freedoms that are
proclaimed in the UN Charter.
With headquarters in Paris, UNESCO includes 191 nations as Member States and has
over 50 field offices, as well as several institutes throughout the world. Most of the
field offices are cluster offices covering three or more countries.
UNESCO pursues its action through five major programmes: education, natural sciences,
social and human sciences, culture, and communication & information. Projects
sponsored by UNESCO include literacy, HIV/AIDS education; natural disaster
reduction, water issues; bioethics, anti-poverty projects; cultural diversity, heritage
preservation; freedom of expression, and Information for All programmes.
UNESCO coordinates activities with all sister agencies and institutions from the United
Nations system. It actively contributes to pursuing the goals contained in the United
Nations Millennium Declaration by acting as a catalyst for the development of ideas,
and initiatives for international cooperation amongst Member States.
The Director-General of UNESCO is Koïchiro Matsuura, a Japanese career diplomat
and the first person from the Asia-Pacific region to hold the position.
UNESCO in Paris, France
For me, UNESCO is more than just a forum for
intellectual exchange. It is more than just an advisory
institution for educational, cultural and
science policies. It is a moral conscience of humanity
- Pierre Sané, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences,
Speech on the Occasion of the UNESCO’s 60th Anniversary Celebration in Seoul, 2005
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UNESCO in KOREA

UNESCO in Korea
Korea was the 55th country to become a member of UNESCO, at the fifth session of
the UNESCO General Conference held in Florence, Italy on 14 June 1950. It joined
with the goals of preventing all forms of violence by fostering educational, scientific,
and cultural solidarity. Ironically, only 11 days later it was propelled into the tragedy
of the Korean War.
After suffering the ravages of a devastating war, Korea was in need of help from others.
At that critical moment, UNESCO contributed to establishing a factory for the
printing of primary school textbooks, which was a stepping-stone to reconstruct
Korea’s educational system and to start the process of postwar rehabilitation. For this
Korea owes many thanks to UNESCO.
Korea has evolved into a model for development, through the transformation from
a receiving, to a contributing country. With this paradigmatic shift, Korea seeks to
establish strategic action plans for effective participation in international institutions
such as UNESCO. It desires to live up to expectations from the international community,
of financial and diplomatic contributions which will have a role in shaping the
universal values of human rights, sustainable development and a culture of peace.
The Korean government established UNESCO Prizes including: the King Sejong Literacy
Prize, the International Arirang Prize and the Jikji Memory of the World Prize. More
recently, the government increased its contribution to the UNESCO Funds-in-Trust,
to support UNESCO projects such as Education for All (EFA) plans in underdeveloped
countries, the Biosphere Reserve Network in Asia, and the preservation of tangible
and intangible heritages around the world.
With educational support and intellectual solidarity
from UNESCO and international communities,
Korea has evolved from a country heavily
dependent upon the generosity of others, to become
a nation in a position to extend support to
others as one of the most active Member States
in UNESCO.
- Cho Kyoo-hyang, Vice-chairperson of the Korean National Commission for UNESCO,
Speech on the Occasion of the UNESCO’s 60th Anniversary Celebration in Seoul, 2005
• UNESCO Offices in Close Relationship with Korea
UNESCO’s decentralization policy is designed to ensure that programmes, although
global in scope, meet the specific needs of its Member States. Through this process
of decentralization, with UNESCO Headquarters, and with geographically relevant
UNESCO field offices, the need for effective working relationships has become imperative
for the Korean National Commission.
• Korean Permanent Delegation to UNESCO
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade represents the Government of the Republic
of Korea at UNESCO through its Permanent Delegation headed by the ambassador
to France. UNESCO holds broad consultations regularly with the Permanent Delegations
of its Member States on important matters concerning UNESCO’s policies and
its main programmes.
A performance celebrating 60 years of UNESCO, 2005
Korean National Commission
for UNESCO
Beijing Office
Cluster Office Covering China, Mongolia,
Japan, North Korea and South Korea
New Delhi Office
Regional Bureau for Communication
and Information
Bangkok Office
Regional Bureau for Education
Jakarta Office
Regional Bureau for Science
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UNESCO in KOREA

The Korean National Commission
for UNESCO
UNESCO is the only organization in the United Nations system that has National Commissions.
In accordance with the UNESCO Constitution and a presidential decree, the
Korean National Commission for UNESCO was founded on 30 January 1954. The Act
Concerning UNESCO Activities enacted in 1963 provides the Commission with a firm
legal basis for carrying out its various functions. This act sets forth its guiding principles
and provides for the autonomy of its organization, finance and programme
management.
The Commission is actively working to do its utmost to further strengthen existing
cooperative relationships with its stakeholders at the national, regional, and international
levels and to take its share of responsibility in pursuing the goals of UNESCO
in the Korean context. As a focal point, the Korean National Commission for UNESCO
is also committed to creating partnerships and to networking with not only governments,
and other international and intergovernmental organizations, but also with
civil society and the private sector.
The Korean National Commission for UNESCO
has proved itself to be a reliable partner of the
Organization, sharing its strong commitment to
promoting the universal values of peace, solidarity
and international development.
- Koïchiro Matsuura, UNESCO Director-General, Message on the Occasion of the 50th
Anniversary of the Korean National Commission for UNESCO, 2004
• Structure
The Commission consists of the General Assembly, the Executive Committee and
the Secretariat. The Commission is headed by the Minister of Education and Human
Resources Development as an ex-officio chairperson.
The General Assembly, composed of 60 members, is legally empowered to determine
the programmes, budget and strategies of the Commission. The Commission
holds its General Assembly yearly in a regular session.
The Executive Committee, composed of 17 members, is convened on a quarterly
basis to deliberate and determine practical matters concerning programme implementation
and the management of the Commission.
• Functions
The Secretariat, headed by the Secretary-General, consists of three divisions and one
Bureau. The post of Secretary-General is currently filled by Dr. Samuel Lee, who was
appointed in 2004 for a four-year term.
The Korean National Commission for UNESCO acts as a facilitator for UNESCO’s overall
goals to:
- Advise the Korean government on policies and international agreements relating to
UNESCO and all matters referred to the Commission by the government.
- Examine resolutions decided at UNESCO’s General Conference and other UNESCO
meetings and invite the responsible government departments to develop implementation
plans in the national context.
- Consult over proposals to be submitted, and representatives to be delegated to the
UNESCO’s General Conference.
- Organize UNESCO related activities through developing diverse partnerships with
governmental and non-governmental organizations at national, regional, and international
levels.
- Ensure the active participation of government departments, local authorities, organizations,
institutions, and individuals in the activities of UNESCO.
Secretariat staff at the rooftop eco-park of the Korea UNESCO House located in the center of Seoul
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UNESCO in KOREA

Secretary-General’s Message
Following the 50th anniversary of the Korean National Commission for UNESCO in
2004, we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the foundation of UNESCO last year. As
we look back upon the achievements of the past in order to strengthen the foundation
for the future, the National Commission sees the coming decade as a period for
UNESCO activities in Korea to enter a new phase of development, in tandem with the
international community’s growing expectations of Korea.
General Assembly (60 members)
Chairperson
Deputy Prime Minister / Minister of Education & Human Resources Development
Vice-Chairpersons
4 Vice-ministers and 1 elected at the General Assembly
Executive Committee (17 members)
Secretariat
Secretary-General
At the beginning of my term of office, I suggested that the Commission focus on
three points of emphasis: strengthening international participation, fostering public
awareness of the Commission’s activities, and developing strategic programmes.
Through an internal re-organization, these initiatives have been partly attained, and
will continue to be given priority in future planning. With the passing of two years
as Secretary-General, especially after my participation in the 33rd session of the
UNESCO General Conference, I had an acute realization that we must first optimize
our management system and structure in order to fulfill these goals. It is National
Commissions that are entrusted with generating opinions on UNESCO’s affairs, and
implementing its activities on a permanent and professional basis. Therefore, the reinforcement
of our abilities and expertise is a prerequisite to elevating Korea’s visibility
and status within UNESCO.
Some may say that we are already operating on a more active basis, and a larger scale,
than most other National Commissions, but I would like to point out that there are
many short-staffed National Commissions that exert an even greater influence on
the running of UNESCO by actively contributing to its decision-making process. In
the Korean context, we will endeavor to specialize and systematize our activities and
tasks, as well as fulfill our role as a liaison between the government and civil society as
part of the strategy to enhance our overall competence. Currently, the Commission is
in the process of revising the Act concerning UNESCO Activities in Korea, which embodies
the legal framework and role of the Commission. This project has significance
in that it will provide a basis on which the afore-mentioned reform of the Commission
will be carried out.
Bureau of
Planning and
External Relations
Education
Sciences
Culture
Communication
and Information
Division of
Strategic
Programmes
Administration
Finance
Korea UNESCO
House Management
Korea UNESCO
Peace Center
Seoul Youth Center for Cultural Exchange (MIZY)
Division of
Administration
and Management
Youth
Division of
Partnership
Projects
Partnership Schools
Our Commission shall spare no efforts to bring
about further development. I thank all of you who
read this brochure for your interest and involvement,
and sincerely hope that our mutual cooperation
and relationship, will be further strengthened
in the coming years.
Samuel Lee
Secretary-General
Korean National Commission for UNESCO
Korea UNESCO Peace Center, Icheon, Gyeonggi Province
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UNESCO in KOREA

Programmes
EDUCATION
Contributing to the Education for All and
Education for Sustainable Development
UNESCO was created in 1945 as the United Nations’ specialized agency for education.
Its close links with education ministries and other partners in 191 countries have put it
in a key position to press for action to improve education worldwide. It has worked to:
• Promote education as a fundamental right
• Improve the quality of education
• Stimulate experimentation, innovation and policy dialogue
The Korean National Commission played a significant role in establishing education
as a fundamental right, through the re-building of the nation’s education system after
the Korean War. Changes in society in the 21st century, have brought new challenges
for educators, so the Commission’s priorities have shifted to promoting the development
of quality Education for All (EFA) and Education for Sustainable Development
(ESD) through the United Nations Literacy Decade (2003-2012), the United Nations
Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014) and other projects.
The Commission is increasingly focusing on its enhanced role of assisting educational
projects in developing countries, and promoting the awareness of ESD among
teachers and policy-makers. Its other priorities include the Samsung-Korean National
Commission for UNESCO Educational Fund Project, the UNESCO Fund-in-Trust Project,
and the UNESCO Education Forum.
UNESCO Forum on Higher Education, Knowledge and Research: the 3rd Scientific Committee Meeting
for Asia & Pacific, 2005
Girls in a classroom in Lautem, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
supported by Samsung-Korean National Commission for UNESCO
Educational Project, 2005
Education has the power to transform people
and countries alike, because it is the wellspring
of equality, ability, social opportunity, economic
stability and national progress.
- Peter Smith, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, the Editorial of Education
Today, the Newsletter of UNESCO’s Education Sector, 2005
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UNESCO in KOREA

Programmes
NATURAL SCIENCES
Harnessing Sciences to Sustainable
Development
As a specialized organization under the UN system, UNESCO has worked since its
inauguration, to strengthen the capacity of Member States in the fields of basic and
engineering sciences. By establishing sciences programmes, UNESCO has contributed
to environmental conservation, resource management, and sustainable development.
Recently, UNESCO undertook a mission to solve global water problems and
to improve prevention of natural hazards, such as tsunami, with other UN organizations.
In Korea, the National Commission has encouraged Korean scientists to participate in
UNESCO’s basic and engineering science networks, to promote regional exchanges
and improve national capabilities in these fields. In the 1980s, the Commission focused
attention on awareness of the relationship between science, technology and
society to Koreans. This developed into a useful and well-regarded model for citizens’
participation in controversial scientific issues in the 1990s.
In this era of global change and diversification, the Commission advocates the importance
of science and technology for peace and development with the aim of
achieving both sustainability and security for society and the environment. Priority
is placed on the cooperation and coordination of concerned governments, NGOs
and individuals for their broader and effective participation in national, regional, and
international activities of UNESCO’s natural science programmes.
Close collaboration with national committees such as the Intergovernmental Oceanographic
Commission (IOC), Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), and
Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB), and participation in International Geoscience
Programme (IGCP) and International Basic Science Programme (IBSP) will be
strengthened in this endeavor.
Children participating in an eco-cultural class conducted at Jageun-nuri
The nations and scientists of the world are called
upon to acknowledge the urgency of using
knowledge from all fields of science in a responsible
manner to address human needs and aspirations
without misusing this knowledge.
- Preamble, Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge, World Conference
on Science, Hungary, 1999
UNESCO Asia-Pacific Conference on Bioethics Education, 2006
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UNESCO in KOREA

Programmes
Searching for Common Values
in the Era of Globalization
SOCIAL AND
HUMAN SCIENCES
As one of UNESCO’s five specialized sectors, the mission of the social and human
sciences is to advance knowledge, standards and intellectual cooperation in order to
facilitate social transformations conducive to the universal values of justice, freedom
and human dignity.
The social and human sciences have a vital role to play in helping to understand
and interpret the social, cultural and economic environment in which we live. They
provide research, identify and analyze trends, and propose paths of action. The priority
areas of action are: the ethics of science and technology, with an emphasis on
bioethics; human rights and the fight against discrimination; philosophy and human
sciences; and the management of social transformations.
Reflecting both the needs of Korean society and the goals of UNESCO, the activities
of the Korean National Commission focused on facilitating social development in
the period after the Korean War. From the 1980s, the emphasis shifted to introducing
and disseminating concepts of tolerance, democracy and human rights to Korean
society. Recently the Commission works to encourage dialogue among civilizations
and promote universally shared values, which contribute to mutual understanding,
and a culture of peace.
In response to ethical issues surrounding science and technology and of concern to
Korea, the Commission is strengthening its efforts to implement the Universal Declaration
on Bioethics and Human Rights. It also works for historical reconciliation in
Northeast Asia which is considered indispensable to building a culture of peace in
the region.
Peace Messengers at an inaugural ceremony of the UNESCO Manifesto 2000
The action of the Organization in the natural sciences
and the social and human sciences has developed in a
rich variety of ways, always in keeping with its constitutional
purpose of advancing, through the educational
and scientific and cultural relations of the peoples of
the world, the objectives of international peace and the
common welfare of mankind for which the United Nations
was established and which its Charter proclaims.
- Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO, in the Opening Address of the First
Meeting of the Review Committee of UNESCO’s Sciences Programmes, 2006
The Inter-Regional Philosophical Dialogues: Democracy and Social Justice in Asia and the Arab World, 2005
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UNESCO in KOREA

Programmes
Promoting Cultural Diversity
through Arts and Heritage
CULTURE
UNESCO’s culture programmes build on advances made in the recognition of cultural
diversity for the sustainable development of peoples and societies, placing emphasis
on a holistic approach to the protection and safeguarding of cultural heritage in all
its forms, tangible and intangible.
By focusing on the dissemination of UNESCO’s most important concepts, with priority
given to culture and development, the Korean National Commission has played a
leading role in major initiatives, namely, the Silk Road Project and the UNESCO Collection
of Representative Works in the 1980’s, and in the development of Korean cultural
policy and cultural exchanges at the regional and national levels.
Recently, the Commission seeks to promote the preservation of heritage and cultural
diversity, particularly through the standard-setting of culture put forth by UNESCO.
In a concerted step with UNESCO’s normative action, the Commission highlights efforts
to enhance activities related to the Convention on the Protection of Diversity of
Cultural Contents and Artistic Expressions and the Convention for the Safeguarding
of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Commission also continues to lead initiatives that promote major issues such as
cultural rights, arts education, the cultural landscape, cultural mapping for intangible
cultural heritage, and the return of illicitly exported cultural properties, in collaboration
and cooperation with the governmental agencies concerned.
A traditional musical performance at the Consultation Meeting for Protection of Intangible Heritage
in Asia-Pacific, 2005
The Gwanno Mask Drama performed
at Gangneung Danoje Festival
As a source of exchange, innovation and creativity,
cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind
as biodiversity is for nature. In this sense, it
is the common heritage of humanity and should
be recognized and affirmed for the benefit of
present and future generations.
- Article 1, UNESCO Universal Declaration of Cultural Diversity, 2001
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UNESCO in KOREA

Programmes
COMMUNICATION
AND INFORMATION
Building an Information Society for All
UNESCO’s Communication and Information programmes are rooted in UNESCO’s
Constitution, which requires the Organization to promote the free flow of ideas by
word and image. The principal strategic objectives of the Sector’s programmes are
to promote:
• The free flow of ideas and universal access to information
• The expression of pluralism and cultural diversity in the media and world information
networks
• Access for all to information and to communication technologies
In pursuance with UNESCO’s strategies in this field, the Korean National Commission
has focused its activity upon exploring the legal and social aspects of the emerging
information society. A series of forums were organized to promote discussion on various
ethical and legal issues about the information society, and they culminated in a
national forum to prepare for the first phase of the World Summit of the Information
Society (WSIS). Special attention was paid to women in the information society, and a
UNESCO Chair on Women and Information Technologies was hosted at Sookmyung
Women’s University, Seoul.
The Commission will continue to promote reflection on the social and ethical aspects
of the information society, and contribute to the building of a knowledge society. In
this regard, it will focus on mobilizing the National Committee of Information for All
Programme (IFAP), and on sharing Korea’s experiences and technological capacity in
order to bridge the digital gap amongst developing countries.
The Hunmin Chongum Manuscript, included on the Memory of the World Register in 1997
International Conference on the Media and Democracy in the Knowledge Society, 2006
Access to information and knowledge is a core
need for human development and well-being,
enabling individuals, communities and countries
to achieve their potential and to improve
their quality of life.
- Abdul Waheed Khan, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and
Information, IFAP Report 2004/2005
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UNESCO in KOREA

Partnership Projects
Acting with and for Youth
YOUTH
Partnership Projects
Empowering Global Citizenship
through Intercultural Understanding
CULTURAL
EXCHANGE
UNESCO has always placed great importance on youth, and in this endeavor was
the first agency of the United Nations system to define and develop specific programmes
for young people. The principal objective of UNESCO’s strategy for action
‘with and for youth’ is to champion the empowerment of young people as equal and
valuable partners, by enhancing their full participation in society.
The Korean National Commission promotes youth participation in society at the local,
regional, and international levels. In this regard, youth activities of the Commission
focus on encouraging young people to express themselves, as well as giving
them the best possible chance to participate fully in social life.
In line with UNESCO’s continued efforts to strengthen youth participation, the Commission
is seeking to reaffirm the value of youth through various projects and activities
such as International Youth Camp, UNU-Korean National Commission for
UNESCO Global Seminar and International Voluntary Services in close cooperation
with governments, international organizations and academic institutions. Through
the Youth Forum of the UNESCO General Conference, the Commission also intends
to better gather and spread the voices of youth from the Asia-Pacific region.
That ignorance of each other’s ways and lives has
been a common cause, throughout the history of
mankind, of that suspicion and mistrust between
the peoples of the world through which their differences
have all too often broken into war.
- The Preamble of UNESCO Constitution, 1945
Sixty years after the establishment of the UN and UNESCO, humankind still faces intolerance
and hatred among peoples, and the incessant breakout of both large, and
small scale wars. In this context, the UN proclaimed 2001 as the Year of Dialogue
among Civilizations, and UNESCO has pursued a variety of projects to promote intercultural
understanding.
One such project is the UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network (ASPnet) which
Korea joined in 1961 and currently includes more than 100 ASP schools. The Network
provides teachers and students in Korea with UNESCO’s philosophy and ideas on
international understanding and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), in
addition to developing bilateral and multilateral exchange programmes with other
Asia-Pacific countries.
The 1990’s brought increasing diversity to the Korean population, mostly due to immigration
and international marriages. To address the challenges to society created
by this transformation, the Korean National Commission began conducting Cross-
Cultural Awareness Programmes (CCAP) in 1998, to improve Korean youth’s understanding
of different cultures. The Commission has also contributed to the UNESCO
Children’s Performing Arts Festival of East Asia, which aims to promote a culture of
peace and intercultural understanding through arts in the region.
The Korean National Commission will continue its efforts to educate global citizens
who have a better understanding of the world around them, and who are ready to
learn how to live together with peoples from different cultures. To reach this goal, a
variety of partnership with schools, institutes, organizations and individuals will be
nurtured at the national, regional and international levels.
The 4th UNU-Korean National Commission for UNESCO Global Seminar, 2006
An Indian Volunteer with Korean Students in a class of Cross-Cultural Awareness Programme, 2006
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UNESCO in KOREA

International Cooperation
The National Commission maintains active cooperation with UNESCO and other
Member States to fulfill its role as a liaison between Korea and various international
partners in UNESCO’s fields of expertise.
In particular, Korea accentuates its presence in UNESCO through increasing regular and
voluntary contributions to UNESCO’s budget, and by sponsoring UNESCO Prizes. The
Commission also actively participates in UNESCO’s policy-making process including: the
UNESCO General Conference and the Executive Board; the governing bodies of intergovernmental
committees and institutions; sub-regional and regional consultation meetings.
• Financial Contribution
to UNESCO’s Regular Budget from Korea (2006-2007)
- USD 11,010,500 (1.805%)
• UNESCO Funds-in-Trusts Provided by Korea
- Education for All / Ministry of Education & Human Resources Development
- East Asian Biosphere Reserve Network / Ministry of Environment
- Coastal and Island Biosphere Reserves in Asia-Pacific /
Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
- Intangible Cultural Heritage / Gangneung City
- Cultural Heritage of Koguryo Kingdom in North Korea /
Cultural Heritage Administration
• Korea-Sponsored UNESCO Prizes
• UNESCO Conventions Ratified by Korea
- Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and
Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property (1983)
- Universal Copyright Convention as revised at Paris on 24 July 1971, with Appendix Declaration
relating to Article XVII and Resolution concerning Article XI, Protocol 1 and Protocol 2 (1987)
- Convention for the Protection of Producers of Phonograms against Unauthorized Duplication
of their Phonograms (1987)
- Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1988)
- Regional Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher
Education in Asia and the Pacific (1989)
- Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (1997)
- Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2005)
Publications
The National Commission continues its efforts to deliver UNESCO’s messages in the
Korean context through various types of publications.
• Korea Journal
Since its first edition in 1961, Korea Journal has
gained a reputation, at home and abroad, as
an outstanding English academic journal in the
field of Korean studies, and has been registered
in the arts and humanities citation index of the
Institute for Scientific Information (ISI).
- King Sejong Literacy Prize / Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- International Arirang Prize / Ministry of Culture and Tourism
- Jikji Memory of the World Prize / Cheongju City
• Korean Members in
UNESCO Intergovernmental Committees & Institutions
- Dr. SONG Sang-yong
(Vice-Chair of World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology)
- Dr. SUNG Kyung-he
(Governing Board Member of UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning)
• UNESCO Chairs in Korea
- Dr. HAN Sung-joo / Peace, Democracy and Human Rights at Korea University (1995)
- Dr. CHA In-suk / Philosophy at Seoul National University (1997)
- Dr. LEE Kyung-sook / Communication Technology for Women at Sookmyung Women’s
University (1998)
Published quarterly in March, June, September,
and December, it covers diverse topics ranging
from Korean films to issues of governance in Korea.
An on-line retrieval service for the journal is
available at www.ekoreajournal.net.
• UNESCO News
The UNESCO News is a Korean language
monthly newsletter published by the Commission
since 1964. It delivers news of the major
activities of the Commission and UNESCO in
the fields of education, sciences, culture, communication,
and youth. It is currently distributed,
free of charge, to 5,000 subscribers throughout
Korea. An on-line PDF service for UNESCO News
is also available at www.unesco.or.kr/kor/publish/news_m.html.
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UNESCO in KOREA

UNESCO Heritages in Korea
• World Heritage Sites
- Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple (1995)
- Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon, the Depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana
Woodblocks (1995)
- Jongmyo Shrine (1995)
- Changdeokgung Palace Complex (1997)
- Hwaseong Fortress (1997)
- Gyeongju Historic Areas (2000)
- Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites (2000)
• Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
The prehistoric cemeteries at Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa contain many hundreds of examples
of dolmens (tombs from the 1st millennium B.C.) constructed of large stone slabs. They form part of
the Megalithic culture that can found in many parts of the world, but nowhere else in such a concentrated
form.
- Royal Ancestral Rite and Ritual Music in Jongmyo Shrine (2001)
- The Pansori Epic Chant (2003)
- Gangneung Danoje Festival (2005)
Jongmyo is the oldest and most authentic of the Confucian royal shrines to have been preserved.
Ritual ceremonies linking music, song and dance still take place there, perpetuating traditions that
go back to the 14th century.
• Memory of the World Register
- The Hunmin Chongum Manuscript (1997)
- The Annals of the Choson Dynasty (1997)
- Seungjeongwon Ilgi, the Diaries of the Royal Secretariat (2001)
- Buljo jikji simche yojeol (vol. II), the Second Volume of “Anthology of Great Buddhist
Priests’ Zen Teachings” (2001)
• Biosphere Reserves
When the Choson emperor Chongjo moved his father’s tomb to Suwon at the end of the 18th century,
he surrounded it with fortress walls. The massive walls still survive and extend for nearly 6 km. They
are connected by four gates and are equipped with bastions, artillery towers and other features.
- Mount Sorak (1982)
- Jeju Island (2002)
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UNESCO in KOREA

Financial Status in 2006
Summary of the Funding Sources
(in millions of Korean won)
Funding Source
Amount
Government 1,078
UNESCO 150
Sponsor 120
Participation Fee 191
Building Rental 1,960
Special Fund 284
Reserve Fund 468
Transfer from Previous Year 796
Others 20
Total 5,067
Youth
14%
Cultural
Exchange
9%
Summary of the the Annual Budget
(in millions of Korean won)
Expenditure
Amount
Planning & External Relations 274
Education 923
Natural Sciences 107
Social and Human Sciences 59
Culture 288
Communication & Information 94
Youth & Cultural Exchange 523
Staffing Costs 2,237
Management Costs 187
Transfer to Following Year 370
Contingency 5
Total 5,067
Planning &
External Relations
12%
Activities in 2005-2006
Communication
and Information
4%
Culture
13%
Social and
Human Sciences
3%
Natural Sciences
5%
Education
40%
Left to Right: Korea UNESCO House in
1967 and in 2006. The House has been
a lynchpin for the Commission’s operational
sustainability
26 27
UNESCO in KOREA

We will endeavor to specialize and systematize
our activities and tasks, as well as fulfill our role
as a liaison between the government and civil
society as part of the strategy to enhance our
overall competence.
• Activities Organized by the Commission in Korea (2005)
- Korea-Australia English Teachers’ Camp for Global Understanding, 3-15 January
- UNESCO Education Forum, 24 March, 23 June, 14 September and 15 December
- Training Seminar for New Officials of Asian National Commission for UNESCO, 28 March-1 April
- Cross-Cultural Awareness Programme, April-December
- The 38th MAB National Committee of Korea, 25 April
- UNESCO Forum on Higher Education, Knowledge and Research: the 3rd Scientific Committee Meeting
in Asia & Pacific, 25-26 April
- UNESCO Regional Seminar on the Implications of WTO/GATS on Higher Education in the Asia-Pacific
Region, 27-29 April
- International Workshop on Protection of Intangible Heritage and Sustainable Development, 8-11
June
- Workshop for National Committees of UNESCO Science Programmes, 9-10 June
- UNESCO East Asian Forum on Cultural Diversity, 27-29 June
- Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting for WCHE+5 Follow-up, 5-6 July
- The 3rd UNU-Korean National Commission for UNESCO Global Seminar, 14-18 July
- The 40th International Youth Camp, 11-22 August
- The 1st Awarding Ceremony of UNESCO Jikji Prize, 2 September
- Korea-Japan Teacher Exchange Programme, 5-13 September
- The 9th East Asian Biosphere Reserve Network Meeting, 30 August-3 September
- International Forum on Reform and Innovation in Science and Engineering Education in the Asia-
Pacific Region, 12-14 September
- International Forum on Privacy Rights in the Digital Era, 27-29 September
- 2005 International Crafts Symposium, 28-30 September
- UNESCO ASPnet Exchange Programme in Asia and the Pacific, 18-24 October
- ICTs Training Workshop for Asian-Pacific Youth Leaders, 8-11 November
- International Seminar on Lifelong Learning: Policies, Strategies and the Best Practices to Build a
Lifelong Learning Society, 14-16 November
- UNESCO Asia-Pacific Regional Conference in Preparation for the ‘World Conference on Arts Education,’
23-25 November
- Forum of Reflection on the Occasion of the 60th Anniversary of UNESCO and the Inter-Regional
Philosophical Dialogues, 28-29 November
- Consultative Meeting on Priorities and Strategies for Safeguarding Intangible Heritage in the Asia-
Pacific Region, 8-10 December
- Seminar on Cultural Landscape and Heritage Policy, 21 December
A poster exhibited in celebration of UNESCO at 60.
The year 2005 marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of UNESCO.
In keeping with various celebratory events around the world, the Commission
hosted the UNESCO Forum: “What UNESCO for the future” and the Inter-Regional
Philosophical Dialogues: “Democracy and Social Justice in Asia and the Arab
World” in close collaboration with UNESCO.
In 2006, the Commission organizes and facilitates a wide variety of activities within
UNESCO’s mandated fields. These activities include establishing more international
contacts and networks, as well as contributing to UNESCO’s policy-making
process. It also ensures that participants are provided with technical advice at
UNESCO related meetings and conferences.
Jo Sumi, UNESCO Artist for Peace, at UNESCO Children’s Performing Arts Festival of East Asia, 2004
28 29
UNESCO in KOREA

• Participation of Korean Representatives in Activities Abroard (2005)
- Annual Meeting of Asian Volunteer Action Network, Vanvieng, Laos, 15-27 January
- Korea-Japan Teacher Exchange Programme, Tokyo, Japan, 19 January-1 February
- The 4th Intergovernmental Bioethics Committee, Paris, France, 24-28 January
- The 3rd Drafting Meeting for UNESCO-OECD Guidelines on Quality Provision of Cross-border Higher
Education, Paris, France, 17-20 January
- Asia-Pacific Strategic Meeting for Education for Sustainable Development, Bangkok, Thailand, 1-3
February
- The 2nd Session of the Intergovernmental Meeting of Experts on the ‘Preliminary Draft Convention
on the Protection of the Diversity of Cultural Contents and Artistic Expressions,’ Paris, France, 31 January-11
February
- The 13th Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property, Paris, France,
7-10 February
- Cultural Partnership Mapping: the 1st Preparatory Meeting, Singapore, 21-22 February
- International Training Seminar for New Secretaries-General of National Commissions for UNESCO,
Paris, France, 21-25 February
- International Seminar on Basic and Lifelong Education, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 28 February-3 March
- Technical Meeting of Alliance of European Voluntary Services Organizations, Antalya, Turkey, 2-8,
March
- Conference on Education for International Understanding and Sustainable Development, Tokyo,
Japan, 3-5 March
- Steering Committee of the Asia-Pacific Network for International Education and Values Education,
Manila, Philippines, 4-6 March
- Scientific Committee Meeting for the World Conference on Arts Education, Lisbon, Portugal, 13-14
March
- IIC/UNESCO Symposium on Learning through the Arts in Asia, New Delhi, India, 21-24 March
- The 4th Session of the World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology,
Bangkok, Thailand, 23-25 March
- The 8th Session of the Regional Committee for the Regional Convention on the ‘Recognition of
Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific,’ Kunming, China, 24-25
May
- The 3rd Session of the Intergovernmental Meeting of Experts on the ‘Preliminary Draft Convention
on the Protection of the Diversity of Cultural Contents and Artistic Expressions,’ Paris, France, 25 May-3
June
- International Forum on Transmitting Intangible Cultural Heritage, Riga, Latvia, 1-4 July
Teachers Participating in Korea-Australia English Teachers’ Camp for Global Understanding, 2006
- The 29th World Heritage Committee, 10-17 July, Durban, South Africa
- Global Development Network Evaluation Meeting, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 14-19 July
- 2005 UNESCO Children’s Performing Arts Festival of East Asia, Macao, China, 28-30 July
- The 6th Sub-Regional Meeting of Secretaries-General of National Commissions for UNESCO in East
Asia, Macao, China, 30 July
- The 3rd ASP Workshop on World Heritage Education in Northeast Countries, Beijing, China, 11-13
August
- 2005 Asia-Pacific Seminar on Educational Technology, Tokyo, Japan, 5-9 September
- UNESCO ASPnet Exchange Programme in Asia and the Pacific, Vientiane, Laos, 19-26 September
- The 4th UNESCO Youth Forum, Paris, France, 28 September-5 October
- The 33rd UNESCO General Conference, Paris, France, 3-21 October
- The 2nd UNESCO Memory of the World Regional Committee Meeting for Asia and the Pacific, Pasig
City, Philippines, 7-9 November
• Activities Organized by the Commission (2006)
Education
• Samsung-Korean National Commission for UNESCO Educational Fund Project
The Commission has been entrusted with the management of the Fund since 2001, using it to assist
educational development projects in least developed countries and post-conflict countries. In 2006,
the funding project was centered on Laos, Mongolia, and East Timor.
• UNESCO Funds-in-Trust Project
Korea has increased its UNESCO Funds-in-Trust for ‘Education for All’ (EFA) to USD 300,000 for supporting
educational projects in developing countries. The projects focuses on teacher training projects
using ICT, training courses on Education Management Information System (EMIS), and workshops on
the educational development of beneficiary countries.
Korean Delegation to the 33rd UNESCO General Conference in 2005. Left to Right: Samuel
Lee(Secretary-General of the Korean National Commission for UNESCO), Kim Jin-pyo(Minister of Education
and Human Resources Development), and Ju Chul-ki(Ambassador of the Republic of Korea
to France).
• Sub-regional Training Workshop on World Heritage Education and Education
for Sustainable Development
A Sub-regional Training Workshop on World Heritage Education and Education for Sustainable Development
was organized jointly with UNESCO Bangkok and UNESCO Beijing. It was a training workshop
for teacher trainers and ASPnet teachers in five north-east Asian countries including China,
Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, and South Korea.
30 31
UNESCO in KOREA

• UNESCO Education Forum
The UNESCO Education Forum analyzes the educational policies and programmes of UNESCO and
of other international organizations. The forum aims to develop a uniquely visible national strategy
for Korea in UNESCO and share information on international activities among educational institutes
in Korea.
Natural Sciences
• Activities for the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme
The Commission provided assistance with the UNESCO Funds-in-Trust project initiated by the Jeju
Special Self-Governing Province: ‘Jeju Initiative: Asia-Pacific Inter-linkage of Coastal and Island Biosphere
Reserves for Environmental Governance and Socio-economic Development.’ In addition,
Korea-Mongolia exchange programme was arranged in order to offer a training opportunity for Biosphere
Reserve managers in Mongolia.
• Urban Eco-Systems and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
Recognizing that eco-friendly sites in cities, such as roof-top gardens, are excellent venues for ESD,
the Commission has been holding eco-cultural classes for local students twice a month since 2004
through the education programme of Jageun-nuri, a rooftop eco-park of the Korea UNESCO House. It
organized a workshop with the aim of exploring how to better utilize such sites.
• Cooperation with National Committees of UNESCO International Science Programmes
A workshop was organized to foster understanding and cooperation among the Korean national
committees such as IHP (International Hydrological Programme), IOC (Intergovernmental Oceanographic
Commission), MAB (Man and the Biosphere Programme), and IGCP (International Geoscience
Programme). The workshop encouraged activity and cooperation between the Commission
and these national committees.
• Public Communication of Science
The Korea Science Foundation (KSF) and the Commission jointly held a conference on natural disasters
and science communication in Jeju. The main themes included: public understanding of natural
disasters and the role of scientists; and risk management systems and citizenship.
Pierre Sané, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, taking an Interview
with the Arirang TV at the UNESCO Forum, 2005
Social and Human Sciences
• Forum on the UNESCO Ethical Code of Conduct for Scientists
The Commission organized a forum to discuss domestic opinions on the establishment of the Ethical
Code under the auspices of the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies. About 40
participants, including scientific technicians, scientists, engineers, and social scientists, participated in
the forum and discussed the concept and contents of the Ethical Code of Conduct for Scientists.
• Asia-Pacific Conference on Bioethics Education
UNESCO Office Bangkok and the Commission held a regional workshop on bioethics education. The
participants shared good practices and curriculums in bioethics education, and discussed the development
of better educational methods and systems.
• Books and Cultural Diversity in Asia in an Era of Globalization
The Regional Conference on Books and Cultural Diversity in Asia in an Era of Globalization assessed
the impact of globalization on books, and presented best practices and creative efforts for book
promotion for cultural diversity in the region.
Culture
• International Forum on Cultural Rights and Diversity
To meet the emerging need of emphasis upon these international instruments, the Commission, in
collaboration with the Interarts Foundation in Spain, UNESCO and the Korea Culture and Tourism
Policy Institute (KCTPI), organized an International Forum on Cultural Rights and Diversity.
A Session on Bioethics and Journalism, the International Conference on Public Communication of
Science and Technology, 2006
• Policy Meeting on Cultural Diversity
To share information and ideas concerning the follow-up of the Convention on the Protection and
Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the Commission organizes forums where government
officials, experts, and activists engaged in a broad spectrum of activities, discuss the trends and
aims of cultural diversity policies.
32 33
UNESCO in KOREA

• The Preservation and Promotion of World Heritage
The Commission supports the relevant local agencies, including the Cultural Heritage Administration
and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)-Korea, for the purpose of strengthening
the local capacity of authorities, conservators and site-managers working in relation to World
Heritage in Korea.
• Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Commission supports UNESCO under the UNESCO Funds-in-Trust sponsored by Korea, to conduct
an inventory-making project on traditional children’s games in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Promotion of Memory of the World Project in Asia
With the aim of imparting practical skills and knowledge in preserving documentary heritage, the
Commission organized the 3rd Regional Training Workshop on the Preservation of and Access to
Documentary Heritage in Asia and the Pacific. Particularly, it supported the development of strategies
on the preservation and management of documentary heritage in Mongolia.
• Arts Management Training Workshop
The Commission organized the 2nd ASEAN-ROK Arts Management Training Workshop, together with
the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and Arts in Manila,
the Philippines.
Youth
• UNU-Korean National Commission for UNESCO Global Seminar
The Commission has held the annual Global Seminar, in partnership with the United Nations University
(UNU) since 2003. Young students from around the North-East Asian region are invited to join a
discussion on prominent world issues, and actively engage in efforts to resolve the challenges faced
by their communities.
• International Youth Camp (IYC)
The IYC has been an annual event for the Korean National Commission for UNESCO since 1966. In
response to the recommendation at the 13th session of UNESCO General Conference to emphasize
youth programmes, IYC has served to enrich the lives of over 4,100 youths through camp activities
fostering international understanding and cooperation.
• International Voluntary Services
Since the demand for participation in work camps constantly increases, the Commission endeavors
to strengthen close partnerships with Asian and European volunteer networks, In 2006, around
500 Korean young people are expected to join voluntary work camps in 30 countries through the
Commission’s international voluntary services.
Communication and Information
• International Conference on the Media and Democracy in the Knowledge Society
An international conference on the media and democracy in the knowledge society was organized in
Seoul. The conference discussed the roles of, and interaction between the media, good governance,
and citizens, as well as examined how to address the digital divide through media education policy.
Cultural Exchange
• UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network (ASPnet)
The ASPnet Exchange Programme between Korea and neighboring countries in Asia, implemented
follow-up activities to the sister schools project with Cambodia and Laos. In addition, teachers and
students from Korean ASP schools visited Mongolia to establish sisterhood relations with ASP schools
there.
• Cross-Cultural Awareness Programme (CCAP)
The programme provides participating students, teachers, and volunteers with a valuable opportunity
to enhance international understanding in the era of globalization, as well as allow foreign
residents to better familiarize themselves with Korean culture.
International Forum on Cultural Rights and Diversity, 2006
The awarding ceremony of UNESCO Jikji Prize, Cheongju, 2005
34 35
UNESCO in KOREA

• Korea-Australia English Teachers’ Camp for Global Understanding
By organizing a training programme for Korean and Australian English teachers, the Commission
has helped participants to foster both intercultural understanding and the development of relevant
teaching methodologies.
• Korea-Japan Teacher Exchange Programme
Under the joint auspices of the Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU) and the Commission,
a Korea-Japan teacher exchange programme has been on-going since 2001. The exchange
programme aims to boost efforts to resolve current controversies surrounding the two neighbors, as
well as foster mutual understanding.
• UNESCO Children’s Performing Arts Festival of East Asia
In keeping with the themes of the International Decade for Culture and Non-Violence for the Children
of the World (2001-2010), the UNESCO Children’s Performing Arts Festival of East Asia has been
organized since 2001. This year, children from China, Japan, Mongolia, Macao, South and North Korea
met in Ulaanbataar, Mongolia, to develop mutual friendships and understanding.
A discussion on cultural diversity, the 4th UNU-Korean National Commission for UNESCO Global
Seminar, 2006
www.unesco.or.kr
UNESCO in KOREA
KOREAN NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR UNESCO

KOREAN NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR UNESCO
C.P.O. Box 64, Seoul, Korea
Phone 02-755-1105 / Fax 02-755-6667
Email kocom@unesco.or.kr
Website www.unesco.or.kr