ABOUT KTACS
History and Strategic Development of the Korea Traditional Archery Culture Society (KTACS)
The Korea Traditional Archery Culture Society (KTACS) began its foundational discussions during the "Comprehensive Traditional Archery Development Plan" project commissioned by the Seoul Metropolitan Government (April 2020 – April 2021). Following the designation of "Hwalssogi" (Traditional Archery) as National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 142 by the Korea Heritage Service (formerly Cultural Heritage Administration) on July 30, 2020, the Society has led the preservation and globalization of this cultural asset.
1. Strengthening Institutional Foundation & Incorporation
• Legal Incorporation: Obtained official approval as a non-profit corporation from the Korea Heritage Service in February 2021.
• Regional Expansion: Established regional branches in Bucheon (August 2021) and Ulsan (November 2021). In 2024, the Society updated its articles of incorporation and re-registered to align with the launch of the new "Korea Heritage Service" system.
• Infrastructure & Communication: Relocated the headquarters to Yaksu-dong in 2023. The Society publishes a regular newsletter (Issues 1–4) and is developing an integrated website in 2026 to enhance engagement with members and the public.
2. Academic Research & Community Revitalization
• UNESCO Listing Initiative: Since the 2020 national designation, the Society has hosted continuous academic seminars to build the necessary framework for listing traditional archery as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• Historical Verification: Conducted professional readings and research of classical texts such as Hyangsarye-deokmok and Hyangsarye-happyeon (2022).
• Heritage Support Projects: Selected for the "Transmission Community Activation Support Project" by the Korea Heritage Service (2023). This led to the publication of three specialized books, including The Lost Archery Fields of Hanyang, and the operation of the "Hanyang Archery Field Pilgrimage" and the Dano Pyeonsa (Team Match) competition.
3. International Diplomacy & Globalization
• World Nomad Games (WNG): Following a 2023 proposal to the Kazakhstan WNG Organizing Committee, the Society dispatched a 16-member delegation in 2024 and donated traditional equipment to promote the excellence of Korean archery.
• Cultural Exchanges: Expanded the Asian network through archery training and equipment donations for UPI University students in Indonesia (2025) and participation in the Shymkent Traditional Archery Asian Games in Kazakhstan.
• Policy & Strategic Partnerships: Collaborated with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the National Assembly (Public Hearing for the Archery Promotion Act), and the French Embassy (140th Anniversary of Korea-France Diplomatic Relations) to elevate the policy status of traditional archery.
4. Annual Milestones
2020 : Execution of the Archery Development Project; Inaugural General Meeting.
2021 : ncorporation approval; Branch establishments; Bangudae Archery Reenactment.
2022 : Inter-Korean martial arts exchange talks; Dano Pyeonsa matches; Sponsorship talks.
2023 : Selection for the Community Activation Project; Ulsan Bangudae Academic Seminar.
2024 : Transition to the Korea Heritage Service system; WNG Kazakhstan delegation.
2025 : Participation in Asian Games (Kazakhstan); Bangucheon Petroglyphs UNESCO events.
2026 : 140th Korea-France Diplomatic Anniversary Project; Global website launch.