Gov't loosens restrictions on sales of Korean art and heritage items

Choi Eung-chon, head of the Cultural Heritage Administration [YONHAP]

Art collectors can now freely export and sell Korean artworks created after 1946, a practice that was previously restricted unless specifically permitted by the government.

The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) announced on Tuesday that the amended National Heritage Act, effective from today, no longer categorizes artworks and cultural heritage items that are more than 50 years old as “General Movable Cultural Heritage.”

Under the previous law, items labeled as General Movable Cultural Heritage were prohibited from being taken outside the country and sold due to their “artistic or academic value.” The amended law now stipulates that only works created before 1946 fall under this category, thereby lifting restrictions on post-1946 artworks.

The KHS said this change is anticipated to open international markets for numerous modern and contemporary artworks, promoting the outstanding value of Korean cultural heritage worldwide.

“The KHS remains committed to developing policies that resonate with the public and align with contemporary trends,” said an official from the KHS. “By doing so, the KHS aims to contribute to the globalization and enhancement of the competitiveness of Korean cultural heritage through proactive administration.”

BY YIM SEUNG-HYE [yim.seunghye@joongang.co.kr]