Korea Heritage Service English Portal (KHS 국가유산청)

Overview

The Korea Heritage Service (KHS; Korean: 국가유산청) is the South Korean government agency responsible for preserving and promoting Korean cultural heritage. Its English-language portal provides international access to information on Korea's tangible and intangible cultural properties, World Heritage sites, natural monuments, and folkloric heritage.

History and Founding

The agency was formally established as the Cultural Properties Administration in October 1961, descending from the Former Royal Properties Administration created in November 1945 at the start of American military rule. The 1962 Cultural Property Protection Law, modelled on Japan's 1950 Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties, provided the legislative framework for the institution's work. Previously operating under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the agency was elevated to a sub-ministerial agency in 1999. On 17 May 2024, it was renamed the Korea Heritage Service (KHS).

Collections and Holdings

KHS manages four main categories of cultural heritage: Tangible Cultural Heritage (including National Treasures); Intangible Cultural Heritage; Monuments (Historic Sites, Scenic Sites, and Natural Monuments); and Folklore Cultural Heritage. It directly manages the royal palaces and tombs of the Joseon Dynasty in Seoul, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine. The agency also coordinates Korea's UNESCO World Heritage nominations and its submissions for the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and Memory of the World programmes.

Access and Research

The English portal at english.khs.go.kr provides access to heritage search functions, news, and information on cultural property designations. The National Research Institute of National Heritage conducts scientific conservation research under KHS oversight.