[Provided by North Gyeongsang Province]
[Provided by North Gyeongsang Province]

North Gyeongsang Province held the 2026 Korea National Studies Grand Exhibition at the Andong International Convention Center on Wednesday to mark the 30th anniversary of the Korea National Institute for Heritage and unveiled the institute's "Future Vision 2040" plan.

The event drew about 1,000 attendees, including North Gyeongsang Province Governor Lee Cheol-woo, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Cultural Policy Director Myeong Su-hyeon, National Assembly lawmaker Kim Hyeong-dong, Korea National Institute for Heritage President Jeong Jong-seop, donors of national studies materials and representatives of Confucian organizations.

Founded in 1996, the Korea National Institute for Heritage has worked to preserve the value of Korea's traditional culture through the collection, preservation, research and utilization of privately held traditional documentary heritage.

As of July 2026, the institute holds a total of about 690,000 items, including roughly 217,000 ancient books, 395,000 historical documents and 67,000 woodblocks.

Designated cultural heritage items number more than 71,000, among them "Confucian Printing Woodblocks of Korea," a UNESCO Memory of the World, and "Jingbirok," a national treasure.

One of the institute's most notable achievements is "Suunjapbang," a manuscript documenting Joseon-era cuisine and lifestyle culture. After systematic research following its donation to the institute, the work was designated a national treasure in 2021 — the first culinary manuscript to receive that status — demonstrating what the institute and the donating clan can accomplish together in cultural heritage preservation.

North Gyeongsang Province plans to pursue UNESCO Asia-Pacific Memory of the World registration for "Suunjapbang" and "Eumsik dimibang," as well as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity status for traditional hanji, as part of broader efforts to bring Korean traditional culture to a global audience.

Traditional hanji is already being used in the restoration of historical documents at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

"The Korea National Institute for Heritage has been a cradle that has safeguarded our precious spirit and records," Governor Lee said. "We will actively support efforts to share the wisdom and records of our ancestors with the world and to let people everywhere enjoy our traditional culture together."

Meanwhile, the 2026 Korea National Studies Grand Exhibition runs through Saturday. During the event, visitors can see a traveling exhibition of 182 original "Korean Plaques" — decorative wooden boards bearing inscriptions — alongside a digital media hall, a traditional culture experience center and various other exhibition and hands-on programs.


kbj7653@heraldcorp.com