K-wave AI News

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea.

Here's our top story.

A set of prehistoric petroglyphs located in Ulju county in the southeastern city of Ulsan is expected to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The International Council on Monuments and Sites has recommended the rock carvings, dating back more than 6,000 years, for UNESCO inscription.

The heritage sites, considered the pinnacle of prehistoric culture on the Korean Peninsula, include the petroglyphs in Daegok-ri and Cheonjeon-ri, located in Ulju County.

The carvings feature a range of imagery, including animals, hunting scenes, geometric patterns, and inscriptions, offering rare insight into the Neolithic era to the Silla period.

The final decision will be made at a World Heritage Committee meeting in Paris in July.

Meanwhile, North Korea's Kumgang Mountain is expected to gain UNESCO World Heritage status after a four-year application process.

Renowned for its seasonal beauty, it's considered one of the Korean peninsula's most scenic mountains.

World-renowned soprano Sumi Jo was awarded the highest rank of France's Order of Arts and Letters on Monday by the French Ministry of Culture.

The medal was presented by former French Culture Minister Fleur Pellerin, a French national of Korean descent.

The Order of Arts and Letters honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the arts and literature or have helped promote French culture globally.

Sumi Jo becomes the third Korean recipient of the award, following Kim Jeong-ok, former President of the Korean Culture and Arts Foundation in 2002, and conductor Chung Myung-whun in 2011.

Saying the award means a new beginning, Jo shared her commitment to supporting and inspiring young talent.

The '2025 Gangneung Danoje Festival,' a millennium-old tradition and UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage, kicked off today.

Marking the 20th anniversary of its UNESCO inscription, this year's festival features an expanded lineup of rich cultural events.

Highlights include ancestral rites, shamanistic rituals, diverse folk games, and a special exhibition on the festival's history.

Adding an international flair, performers from abroad, including teams from Slovakia, Slovakia, Japan, and Mongolia, will present captivating cultural showcases.

The festival runs through June 3 along the Namdaecheon Stream in Gangneung.

That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.