BUSAN, July 25 (AJP) - A special performance titled "Sanhwabi" filled BEXCO Auditorium in Busan, presented as part of the Intangible Heritage Festival in Busan celebrating the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
South Korea is hosting the committee for the first time since joining the World Heritage Convention in 1988. The 11-day session opened on July 19 and runs through July 29 at BEXCO, bringing together delegates from around the world to decide World Heritage inscriptions and set conservation and management policy.
Directed and conceived by Nam In-woo, Sanhwabi explored the roots and future of Korea's intangible heritage, presenting tradition not as a relic but as a living cultural asset that continues to evolve. The production traced how traditional culture weathered the colonial period and rapid modernization, then reached for what comes next, layering media art, electronic music and contemporary stage design over traditional performing arts.
The auditorium was nearly full with citizens and committee participants, and applause carried through the evening. Participation was built into the show rather than added to it. In the "Pan" segment, a traditional lion dance pulled audience members in among the performers, and in the closing "Ye" segment, people of all ages climbed on stage to perform alongside the cast. Korea Heritage Service administrator Heo Min joined them to deliver closing remarks, ending the night as a celebration of community and shared heritage.
Sanhwabi was staged as one of the signature cultural events of the committee session.
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