Dance is not the creation of a single individual but an entire culture developed by many people through the ages, gradually changing and being polished over time. As such, it is a valuable cultural heritage that embodies the character and emotions of a people and reflects the spirit of the times. Each movement and each step in dance, therefore, impart a sense of the history and lives of people of the past. (File, 2013, pp. 9–10)\nMovement disciplines like dance and martial arts embody the cultural heritage in which they developed. This chapter aims to map part of Korea’s cultural heritage by identifying certain movement characteristics shared by both traditional Korean dance and some traditional Korean martial arts. This chapter will also show how adaptations to fit with modern trends, such as K-pop music, can cause a martial art to lose its traditional character.\nThis study employed ethnographic descriptive research, cross-referenced with written work. My findings are based on the first-hand experience of practicing Korean martial arts, dance, and percussion (hourglass drum), and are further enhanced by years of observing Korean movement disciplines such as dance performances and informal interviews with traditional choreographers, dancers, and martial artists. Through this, I have identified specific movement characteristics that are present in both Korean traditional dance and many Korean martial arts. It is important to note that there are many types of Korean traditional dance, ranging from court dances, folk dances, and religious or ritual dances. My focus has been on those movement characteristics shared by most of these dance forms, thereafter identifying similar movement characteristics found in several Korean martial arts. These characteristics are not always present in every movement; however, most of them are usually perceivable and it is their synergy that gives a Korean “flavor” to these traditional movement disciplines.

Originally the Center was founded in 1988 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sciences as the Restoration Studio for Museum Objects, and later in 1995 was re-organized into the Center for Cultural Heritage.\nIn 2008, the most active at the time NGO operating regarding documentation and registration of the intangible cultural heritage was merged with the Center. Since that period, with the initiative from the Ministry of the Education, Culture, and Sciences, the Center has created State Database for Registration and Information of the Cultural Heritage, including both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Total of 177 Intangible Cultural Heritage elements, of which Language and Oral Traditions - 11%, Folk Performing Arts - 60%, Social Practices, Rituals and Festive Events – 4%, Traditional Techniques, Knowledge, Practices Concerning the Nature and Universe - 2%, and Traditional Craftsmanship – 23% are documented and registered in the State Database for Registration and Information of the Cultural Heritage by 2019.