Inscribed in 2016 (11.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity Jeju Island, off the southern coast of mainland Korea, is a volcanic island with a population of about 600,000 people. Some landforms of the island were inscribed on the List of World Heritage in 2007. An average Jeju haenyeo holds her breath for one minute while diving ten- meter underwater to gather marine products. When a haenyeo exhales after each dive, she makes a unique sound called "sumbi-sori." A haenyeo works for six to seven hours a day in summer and four to five hours in winter. She dives about ninety days a year. The income generated from diving work significantly contributes to Jeju households. A Jeju haenyeo has her own mental map of the sea, including the location of reefs and the habitat for shellfish. She also has a command of local knowledge on the winds and tides. The maps and knowledge are acquired through repeated diving experience by each haenyeo. Most Jeju haenyeo rely upon upper-skilled haenyeo’s (sanggun) weather forecast for diving rather than listening to the official forecasts. Jeju haenyeo communities practice a shamanistic ritual for the goddess of the sea (jamsugut). The ritual includes prayers for safety at sea and an abundant catch. The ritual has a part for the haenyeo to sing a song called “Seoujet-Sori.” “Haenyeo Norae” (Haenyeo Song), which used to be sung while rowing their boat out to the sea for diving, has been an important part of Jeju haenyeo culture.

South Korea 2016

National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Republic of Korea This ritual is held biennially in Tongyeong and Geojedo Island to pray for the peace of the village and abundant fish. This ritual features the exorcist’s beautiful songs and inclusion of buk (drums) among the accompanying instruments. Unlike its cousin held in villages along the East Coast, this one is carried out in a serious atmosphere with few gags exchanged between the exorcist and music players or in the narratives. In some instances, spectators and drummers act out a play in the middle of the ritual. The exorcist’s dance performed along with the ritual in most cases is rather simple and monotonous. Cheongsinak (music to invoke the deities) and Songsinak (farewell music to the deities) are performed respectively at the start and end of the ritual, to the accompaniment of daegeum (bamboo flute). This ritual has little entertainment value and involves not many narratives, but it goes long on the depth of belief in deities.

National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Republic of Korea Wido Ttibaennori is held in early January every year in Daeri Village, Wido-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do to pray for the peace of the village and for a bountiful catch. The name Ttibaennori stems from the practice of letting a boat made of tti (Imperata cylindrica) sail out to sea as part of the ritual. The event is also called Wondangje, as it is performed at Wondang, a shrine set up for the ritual. The boat is made of tti, straw, and bush clover spliced together. It is usually sized 3m (L) by 2m (W). People put sacrificial offerings and seven puppets into the boat. The event is a local festival in which people sing, dance, and drink together, praying for a bountiful catch and for the safety of fishermen.

National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Republic of Korea Donghaean Byeolsingut is a large-scale rite carried out in villages along the East Coast to pray for the peace and happiness of the village and the safety of fishermen. It is also called Pungeoje or Pungeogut (Ritual for Bountiful Fish) or Golmaegi Dangje (Ritual for the Village Guardian Golmaegi). The ritual is held annually, between March and May or between September and October, or every two/three years in some areas. The place the ritual is held is decorated flamboyantly, but the exorcists wear plain-looking costumes. This ritual features diverse dances, humorous dialogues, and gestures.

Sepak Raga Bulatan is a traditional game of the Malay community that is still played until now. This game is unique as the total number of players is unlimited and they play in a big circle. The game also has artistic elements that can be seen within the aspects of balancing, heading, lashing as well as controlling the ball at the foot tip. This game can be played individually, in groups or teams by using all parts of the body except the hands or arms. The ball is round and made from original rattan or synthetic. The weight is between 170gm to 180gm. The perimeter is between 0.42m to 0.44m and has 12 holes with 20 cross points. This game is started by the first player tossing the ball high above head level to the third, fourth or fifth player by passing or crossing a circled area measuring two meters. The player receiving the ball has to kick the ball to the other players except the first player. Each kick or touch is counted as points. A player is considered as subdued if he fails to catch or toss the ball.