“N. Korea set for solo UNESCO taekwondo listing as S. Korea misses joint bid”

Key points

• North Korea submitted its UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage taekwondo listing in March 2024.
• South Korea delayed its own listing, considering a joint bid with the North but failed to secure it.
• Korean Heritage Service said joint inscription is difficult due to strained relations and UNESCO quotas.
• Evaluation recommendations for North Korea are likely to lead to inscription, with final decision later in Xiamen.
• Experts note taekwondo has two distinct styles and both Koreas pursue separate listings.