UNESCO added the Korean Chuseok dance Ganggangsullae to its Representative List in 2009.
Ganggangsullae is a Korean circle dance traditionally performed by women who join hands and move in a circle while singing. It is strongly associated with harvest celebrations, especially Chuseok, and has historical links to the southwestern coastal regions of Korea.
The dance is more than a single fixed choreography. Performers may combine songs, circular movements, and variations in pace or formation. Its communal structure makes it especially suitable for a large seasonal gathering.
UNESCO’s Representative List recognizes intangible cultural heritage practices rather than physical monuments. Ganggangsullae is therefore distinct from a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also different from nongak, a Korean farmers’ music tradition involving percussion ensembles, even though both may appear in cultural celebrations.