The UNESCO has listed different sides of the Korean culture as world Heritage. From cultural, intangible and natural heritage sites, Korea has all three. If you are in Seoul, you should take a weekend and do/visit as many of them as possible 

Jongmyo Shrine and its ritual 

Jongmyo Shrine (Historic Site No.125)

Jongmyo Jeryeak (National intangible Cultural Heritage N.1)

Jongmyo Jerye (National Intangible Cultural Heritage No.56)

The Jongmyo Shrine was designated in 1995 as a World Heritage site due to its universal value. The shrine is a Confucian royal ancestral shrine where kings during the Joseon Dynasty engaged in ancestral rites to wish for the wellbeing of the palace and its people as well as homage the past queens and kings. Revival ritual ceremonies still take place to this day. The ritual consists of 2 important parts Jongmyo jerye which is the Confucian ritual service itself and Jongmyo jeryeak, which is a ritual of traditional Korean ritual music. Both were enlisted as an intangible cultural heritage in 2001. Foreigners and Koreans can enjoy the reenactment of the rite as it is done every year on the first Sunday of May. This rite starts in Gyeongbokgung Palace from 9:30a.m. and they parade until Jongmyo, the rite finishes at 3:00p.m.

Taekkyeon (National Intangible Cultural Heritage N.76)

A sport listed under UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage, the traditional Korean martial art. It is a fighting sport but with graceful movements that require incredible flexibility. The port o\also promotes inner strength with a promotion on health and community. You can experience this martial art with an introductory class at Kyulyun Taekkyeon Association in Insadong. This program has been chosen by Seoul city Tourism Organization.  You must pay and book in advance. This seems like a fun experience to do with friends. 

Royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty Cultural Heritage 

Seonjeongneung (Historic Site N.199)

Jeongneung (Historic Site No.208)

Uireung (Historic Site No. 204) 

The Royal tombs of Queens and Kings of the Joseon Dynasty are intact all throughout the Republic of Korea. There are 40 royal tombs. Due to Confucian and royal law the location of the tombs is not far from the capital city of Seoul. They have been able to be preserved in its entirety. The tombs located in Seoul are, Seonjeongneung, Jeongneung and Uireung. Seonjeongneung (located in the Gangnam area at 1, Seolleung-ro 100-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, you can find the royal tombs of the king Jeongneung (11th King of the Joseon Dynasty), King Seongjong (9th king of the Joseon Dynasty) and his Queen, Jeonghyeon. 

Jeongneung (located in 116, Arirang-ro 19-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul) Is the royal tomb of the Queen consort Sindeok, the second wife of King Taejo of Joseon (1st king of the Joseon Dynasty). This tomb is one of the least preserved due to the political tensions in the palace of what became to be known as the First Strife of Princes. Where the sons of King Taejo strived for the throne and both sons of Queen Consort Sindeok were assassinated. 

Uireung is located in 146-20, Hwarang-ro 32-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul; these place holds the 20th king of Joseon Dynasty, King Gyeongjong and his wife, Queen Seonui. The 20th king’s reign lasted only 4 years after succumbing to his weak body. 

Changdeokgung Palace Complex (Historic Site N.122)

The Changdeokgung Palace is located in 99 Yulgok-ro, Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. It is a palace complex in the middle of the city of Seoul. It was built during the Joseon Dynasty. The architecture of the complex as well as its colors are still well preserved. Inside the palace you will be able to appreciate major structures, from the Buyongji Pond, both the Injeongmun and Donhwamun Gates and other impressive and natured-balanced structures. You can visit the palace everyday except on Mondays with a fee of 3,000 won per person. There are also guided tours offered. The palace can be visited from 09:00-18:30 during the months of June through August. Depending on the month the closing times are subject to change.

Daemokjang, (National Intangible Cultural Heritage N.74)

The Gwanghwamun Gate is the main Gate of the Place Complex, has suffered major damages, that is why it has been restored numerous times. The gate was demolished and relocated during Japanese rule, during the Korean War it had major damages. The gate was restored in its entirety into granite and wood and moved to its rightful place in 2006. The restoration was finished in 2010. The restoration of the gate would not have been complete if there had not been Daemokjang, or master wood artisans/carpenters. Daemokjang was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. The daemokjang have been regarded of highly as without them restorations for the Changdeokgung Palace Complex would not hold authenticity. If you want to see the work of daemokjangs make sure to visit the Gwanghwamun gate. There is also a reenactment of the royal guard change at 10 A.M and at 2P.M every day but Tuesdays. If you would like to learn more about daemokjang Korea cultural house offers classes at the Korean Traditional Craft Architecture School 

Pansori (National Intangible Cultural Heritage N.5)

Pansori is an artistic performance where they tell story through not only words, but body movements all done at the beat of a drum.  This traditional music centers their stories in both the commoners and the yangban (bourgeoise), the inspiring stories provoke a lot of emotion and engulf the ears of those who hear them. You can experience this type of performance through the National Changgeuk Company of Korea this art company specializes in specializes in “changgeuk”, a musical play based on pansori. They have been active for the past 56 years giving performances that follow the five pansori (Chunhyangga, Simcheongga, Heungboga, Sugungga and Jeokbyeokga). Check the National Changgeuk Company of Korea to be on the lookout for tickets. You could also attend the Korea Cultural House where you can reserve and experience traditional performing arts, from fan dances, pansori to other traditional Korean performing arts. 

Kimjang Intangible Cultural Heritage

The act of making and sharing kimchi was designated as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2013. Kimchi is fermented cabbage. Kimjang became recognized by the UNESCO because it is not only the act of cooking but rather the integration of family members while the preparations are happening and the altruism of giving to the less fortunate. Kimchi is a unique Korean dish and its taste is very unique. You can experience Kimjang in Seoul. You can take a class, while making kimchi and sharing your final product with those less fortunate. 

You can go at the museum Kimchikan where you can watch exhibition or actually have a hand on experience as they teach you how to make kimchi, through their kimchi reservation program. You can refer to their webpage to see the conditions and restrictions. Another great way would be to reserve classed with O’ngo Food Communications. They offer classes from the beginner, medium and advance levels as well as food tours in Seoul. This way you can learn about not only kimchi making and sharing but also other Korean traditional dishes. 

Ssireum (National intangible cultural heritage N.131)

Ssireum is the name for traditional Korean wrestling. It was designated as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2018. The sport is played in a sand ring with referees, the aim is to make the opponent fall. The only way to do so is by pulling them from a cloth band (satba) tightened around their waists and thighs. The sport has its own association and you can look for matches happening in the month. There will be Ssireum competitions at the 2019 Chungju World Martial Arts Masterships happening from 30 Aug 2019- 6 Sept. Other demonstrations of the sport happen in TV and variety shows. 

[NEWSINSIDE Danitza Trejo Gonzalez]