Culture Masters

World Intangible Cultural Heritage Showcase, Exhibition & International Forum

CELEBRATING LIVING HERITAGE

Living Heritage Embracing Myth and Narrative

Songs of Humanity — The World's Great Vocal Traditions of Emotional Expression

October 3 – October 7, 2026

Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea (Main Venue: Gyeonggi Arts Center Grand Theater)

PRE-WIN 2026 Korea is a global showcase centered on the world's great narrative vocal traditions — traditions that carry memory, longing, spirituality, and communal identity across generations.

From the dramatic epic storytelling of Pansori, to the transcendental overtone landscapes of Mongolian Khomii, from the refined poetic depth of Ca Trù, to the saudade-filled urban voice of Fado, from the communal harmonies of Georgian Polyphonic Singing, to the spiritual resonance of Gnawa Music, from the social memory embedded in Corrido, to the emotional roots of Blues and Jazz, and the collective ancestral strength of the Maori Haka — PRE-WIN 2026 gathers the emotional voices of humanity on one stage.

Building on the pilot event held in Bangalore, India (February 2026), this Korean edition expands a global circulation model positioning Suwon as a central hub in the emerging World Intangible Heritage Network (WIN), leading toward the WIN Grand Festival 2028.

PRE-WIN 2026 Korea Cultural Heritage Showcase

PARTICIPATION & SELECTION PROCESS

HOW TRADITIONS ARE SELECTED

Participation in PRE-WIN 2026 Korea is based on an open international application and official selection process.

Open Call for Participation

Heritage communities, ensembles, and cultural institutions are invited to submit formal applications including artistic profile, safeguarding context, and representative repertoire.

International Review & Evaluation

Applications reviewed by an international advisory and selection committee based on authenticity, UNESCO recognition, artistic excellence, and capacity for intercultural collaboration.

Official Invitation & Confirmation

Selected groups receive an official invitation from the PRE-WIN 2026 Organizing Committee and WIN. Only officially invited and confirmed delegations will be listed as participating traditions.

CORE VALUES

GUIDED BY FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES

Autonomous Participation

Community-led representation of heritage bearers ensuring cultural equity.

Transparent Selection

Participation based on formal application, expert review, and official invitation.

Cultural Equity

Equal respect across continents and traditions.

Sustainable Practice

Digital documentation and long-term heritage sustainability.

Global Solidarity

Artistic dialogue strengthening the World Intangible Heritage Network.

GLOBAL PARTICIPATION

PARTICIPATING VOCAL TRADITIONS

Provisional & Subject to Official Selection. Final participation confirmed after completion of the official selection process.

Asia

🇰🇷

Republic of Korea

Pansori

A dramatic epic vocal tradition expressing narrative depth and emotional intensity.

🇲🇳

Mongolia

Khomii / Long Song (Urtyn Duu)

Overtone singing and expansive melodic forms reflecting nomadic cosmology.

🇻🇳

Vietnam

Ca Trù

Classical female vocal music with drum accompaniment, expressing refined emotion and intellectual subtlety.

🇮🇳

India

Dastangoi

A narrative oral tradition blending epic storytelling and musical recitation.

🇵🇭

Philippines

Hudhud Chant

Epic community chants preserving ancestral memory and social values.

🇺🇿

Uzbekistan & Tajikistan

Shashmaqom

A classical vocal tradition merging poetry and musical sophistication.

Europe

🇵🇹

Portugal

Fado

Urban song tradition embodying saudade — longing, fate, and memory.

🇬🇪

Georgia

Polyphonic Singing

Multi-voiced harmonies expressing sacred and communal emotion.

🇮🇹

Italy

Traditional Opera

Dramatic vocal expression of human passion and artistic grandeur.

Africa

🇩🇿

Algeria

Malouf

Classical Andalusian-rooted vocal music carrying layered historical memory.

🇲🇦

Morocco

Gnawa Music

Spiritual vocal tradition rooted in ritual, trance, and healing.

🇿🇦

South Africa

Isicathamiya

A cappella group singing expressing resilience and communal identity.

The Americas

🇲🇽

Mexico

Corrido

Narrative ballads preserving social history and collective emotion.

🇺🇸

United States

Blues & Jazz

Vocal traditions born of struggle and hope, expressing pain, improvisation, and resilience.

🇧🇷

Brazil

Black Madonna Festival Chant

Devotional vocal expressions blending faith, identity, and celebration.

Oceania

🇳🇿

New Zealand

Maori Haka (Chant Tradition)

Collective chant expressing ancestral pride, unity, and communal strength.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

EVENT TIMELINE

Tentative – Subject to Final Selection Confirmation

Oct 3

Day 1

Arrival & Preparation

Delegation arrival

Technical rehearsal

Exhibition setup

Oct 4

Day 2

Cultural Parade & Welcome Reception

Participation in Suwon Hwaseong Festival

Intercultural welcome event

Oct 5

Day 3

International Forum & Showcase I

Forum Theme: "Intangible Heritage and Urban Sustainability"

Evening Performance: Songs of Longing — Exploring memory, loss, and emotional identity.

Oct 6

Day 4

International Forum & Dialogue

Forum Theme: "Living Heritage and Global Urban Futures"

Artist Talks & Masterclasses

Community exchange sessions

Oct 7

Day 5

Showcase II & Grand Finale

Songs of Heroism and Hope — Celebrating resilience, dignity, and shared humanity.

Closing Ceremony & WIN 2028 Announcement

THE WORLD INTANGIBLE HERITAGE NETWORK

PRE-WIN 2026 Korea strengthens the global circulation of living heritage and serves as a milestone toward WIN 2028 — positioning Suwon as a global hub for narrative vocal traditions and cultural diplomacy.

Through structured international participation and transparent selection, PRE-WIN 2026 establishes a credible and sustainable global platform for the world's great vocal traditions.

120+

Countries

3,500+

Participants

48

Events

"Intangible heritage is not a relic — it is a living source of solutions to today's challenges of fragmentation, ecological crisis, and identity loss."

International Boosting & Showcases

Providing global showcases and boosting the creative industry through platforms that enable cultural practitioners to demonstrate excellence and innovation.

Global Cultural Exchange Programs

Fostering international collaboration and knowledge sharing between communities through masterclasses, artist talks, and intercultural dialogue.

Collaborations with Experts & Institutions

Partnerships with leading cultural organizations and heritage specialists worldwide ensuring credibility and long-term safeguarding.

PRE-WIN 2026 KOREA