Cultural Heritage Administration
Encyclopedia
The Cultural Heritage Administration or CHA, formerly the Cultural Properties Administration, is an agency of the South Korean government charged with preserving key aspects of the Korean cultural heritage. It is headquartered in the city of Daejeon
at the Daejeon Government Complex. Previously part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism
, it was elevated to a sub-ministerial agency in 1999. The CHA's primary task is to identify the National Treasures of South Korea
and administer their protection under the Cultural Property Protection Law (1962). The protected items fall into four main categories, Tangible Cultural Properties including National Treasures and Treasures, Monuments including Historic Sites, Historic Sites & Scenic Sites, Scenic Areas and Natural Monuments, Important Folklore Material (which is not subdivided) and Important Intangible Cultural Properties.
The CHA was formally established in November 1961, but traces its roots back to the Former Royal Properties Administration set up in November 1945 at the beginning of American military rule.
Daejeon
Daejeon is South Korea's fifth largest metropolis and the provincial capital of Chungnam. Located in the center of the country, Daejeon had a population of over 1.5 million in 2010. It is at the crossroads of Gyeongbu railway, Honam railway, Gyeongbu Expressway, and Honam Expressway. Within the...
at the Daejeon Government Complex. Previously part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Ministry of Culture and Tourism
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea is a central government agency responsible for the areas of tourism, culture, art, religion, and sports. It has two vice ministers, three assistant ministers, one commission, and over 60 divisions...
, it was elevated to a sub-ministerial agency in 1999. The CHA's primary task is to identify the National Treasures of South Korea
National treasures of South Korea
The National Treasures of Korea are a numbered set of tangible treasures, artifacts, sites, and buildings which are recognized by South Korea as having exceptional artistic, cultural and historical value...
and administer their protection under the Cultural Property Protection Law (1962). The protected items fall into four main categories, Tangible Cultural Properties including National Treasures and Treasures, Monuments including Historic Sites, Historic Sites & Scenic Sites, Scenic Areas and Natural Monuments, Important Folklore Material (which is not subdivided) and Important Intangible Cultural Properties.
The CHA was formally established in November 1961, but traces its roots back to the Former Royal Properties Administration set up in November 1945 at the beginning of American military rule.