PARIS: A full peace deal between North and South Korea may remain elusive, but the neighbors took a cultural step forward on Monday (Nov 26)…
PARIS: A full peace deal between North and South Korea may remain elusive, but the neighbors took a cultural step forward on Monday (Nov 26) when they joined forces to get their ancient wrestling tradition onto a United Nations list of cultural treasures.
Ssirum in North Korea or Ssireum in South Korea has a history stretching back around 1,800 years, but still draws huge audiences with national and international contests broadcast on television.
On Monday, the sport was added to the UN cultural agency’s list of so called «intangible assets» after a month of shuffle diplomacy by UNESCO between North and South Korea, both of whom initially made separate bids.
«This joint inscription marks a highly symbolic step on the road to inter-Korean reconciliation.