10.21298/IJTHR.2019.1.33.1.35

Utilization of cultural heritage is gradually becoming more active, but the use of intangible cultural heritage is relatively inactive. Cultural heritage can make full use of its meaning when applied in a manner appropriate to its characteristics and values. In this study, it was found that intangible cultural heritage such as rituals, games, and craftsmanship are the most basic characteristic in that they mainly consist of acts. Therefore, the author searched for the direction of the utilization of intangible cultural heritage by using existential authenticity, which is the theory of activity or action. The author studied the cases of Tugging rituals and games at Gijisi village and Weaving of mosi (fine ramie) in Hansan region. Through these two examples, the author examined how to use intangible cultural heritage to raise the level. In contrast to previous studies that attempted to find ways to utilize individual intangible cultural heritage, this study is characterized by several of the following. Theoretical analysis while looking for ways to use intangible cultural heritage was examined. Researchers have forbidden the concept of “authenticity” in the field of intangible cultural properties, but this author studied this concept in connection with the utilization of intangible cultural properties. Also, the author sought the direction of qualitative application that is faithful to intrinsic value of intangible cultural heritage. Existential authenticity means that a person becomes a subject and feels himself/herself (ego) by doing physical or mental acts directly, and experiences his/her existence. In this sense, intangible cultural heritage experiences are suitable for experiencing existential authenticity in that they are done through acts and mental actions. It is culturally significant that we feel the existential authenticity through intangible cultural heritage that our community members have formed and maintained together for a long period of time.Furthermore, in the process of experiencing existential authenticity by directly performing the intangible cultural heritage, we can easily acknowledge the socio-cultural value and significance encompassed by our ancestors’ ideas, wisdom, knowledge, etc. in the community. In order to utilize intangible cultural heritage to reach the level of experiencing existential authenticity, several policy changes are necessary. Specifically, it can be summarized as a new direction of intangible cultural heritage utilization from simple viewing to experience, from temporary experience to long-term experience, from object to subject, from product-centered utilization to process-centered utilization, from commercialization to culture revival, etc. We are able to further enhance the value of intangible cultural heritage by seeking more active uses of intangible cultural heritage suitable for experiencing existential authenticity.