From Venice (Italy) to Jeonju (Korea): the art of gondola making, intangible cultural heritage

The Republic of Korea is an active promoter of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in the world, and thanks to the generosity of the Jeonju Government, ElFelze Association of Venice has won a prestigious award proving its perseverance and quality in transmitting and carrying on the traditional art of Gondola making, in Venice. The article presents the JIAPICH award and the Republic of South Korea system in connection with the work of gondola makers, and their effort for protecting and promoting this antique craftsmanship. The “living human treasures” system, as well as the Korean legislation on this topic are also introduced, with the aim of presenting a different perspective on the safeguarding of craftsmen/women involved in the preservation, transmission, and use of ICH in their daily lives.