Talchum, the traditional Korean mask dance drama, was added to UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage assets on Wednesday.
At a session of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Rabat, Morocco, it said, "The themes of talchum highlight values of universal equality and criticism of rigid social hierarchy, which remain relevant today."
The addition came after it was proposed for inscription on the list about a month ago, becoming the country's 22nd intangible cultural asset along with those already included like royal ancestral rites and Pansori narrative songs.
Talchum is a comprehensive art encompassing dancing, singing and drama that criticizes society and plays an important role in consolidating regional identities as it is performed in local dialects and with folk songs.
