The “Korea Reforestation Archives: A reforestation model achieved through public-private governance” and the “Revealing Truth: Jeju 4•3 Archives”
Newly Inscribed on the UNESCO MoW Register
- Adding the two items, ROK now to have 20 MoW documents -
The 221st session of the Executive Board of UNESCO, meeting in Paris from April 2 to 17, made the final decision on April 10 to inscribe the “Korea Reforestation Archives: A reforestation model achieved through public-private governance” and the “Revealing Truth: Jeju 4•3 Archives” on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
The Korea Reforestation Archives contain records of the successful national reforestation efforts achieved through public-private cooperation in the wake of Korean War. These archives serve as a model example for other developing nations and provide valuable insights on global issues such as climate change response and desertification prevention.
The Jeju 4.3 Archives document the testimonies of victims and the process of truth-finding and reconciliation regarding the numerous atrocities of civilians in Jeju Island of the Republic of Korea. These records underscore the global significance of human rights and provide a meaningful example of how the people of Jeju have addressed a painful history through a spirit of reconciliation and mutual coexistence.
The Korea Heritage Service (Administrator Choi, Eung-Chon) made the decision to submit nominations to inscribe “Korea Reforestation Archives: A reforestation model achieved through public-private governance” and the “Revealing Truth: Jeju 4•3 Archives” on the International MoW Register after a series of consultations with experts on the records submitted during the public call held from January 17 to February 28, 2023. The nominations were subsequently submitted to UNESCO in November 2023.
Adding the two items, Korea now has 20 MoW documents on the International Register, which include: Hunmin Jeongeum Manuscript (1997); The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty (1997); Baegun hwasang chorok buljo jikji simche yojeol (vol.ll), the second volume of “Anthology of Great Buddhist Priests’ Zen Teachings” (2001); Seungjeongwon Ilgi, the Diaries of the Royal Secretariat (2001); Uigwe, the Royal Protocols of the Joseon Dynasty (2007); Printing woodblocks of the Tripitaka Koreana and miscellaneous Buddhist scriptures (2007); Donguibogam, Principles and Practice of Eastern Medicine (2009); Ilseongnok Records of Daily Reflections (2011); Human Rights Documentary Heritage 1980 Archives for the May 18th Democratic Uprising against Military Regime in Gwangju, Republic of Korea (2011); Nanjung Ilgi: War Diary of Admiral Yi Sun-sin (2013); Archives of Saemaul Undong (New Community Movement) (2013); Confucian Printing Woodblocks in Korea (2015); The Archives of the KBS Special Live Broadcast “Finding Dispersed Families” (2015); Royal Seal and Investiture Book Collection of the Joseon Dynasty (2017); The Archives of the National Debt Redemption Movement (2017); Documents on Joseon Tongsinsa/Chosen Tsushinshi (Korean Embassies): The History of Peace Building and Cultural Exchanges between Korea and Japan from the 17th to 19th Century (2017); Archives of the April 19 Revolution (2023); the Archives of the Donghak Peasant Revolution (2023). This achievement is expected to further elevate the ROK’s status as a global leader in documentary heritage.
The KHS plans to continue its proactive efforts to identify our documentary heritage with global historical value and expand its inscription on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.