A Digital Solution and Challenges in the Safeguarding Practices of Intangible Cultural Heritage: A Case of 'ichngo.net' Platform

The purpose of this study is to analyze the construction, operation and problems of digital platform as a means for safeguarding and inheriting intangible cultural heritage. Specifically, this study will look at ichngo.net, built by NGOs specializing in cultural heritage. A digital platform that mediates the protection and transmission of intangible cultural heritage has long been a necessity for NGOs. NGO activists were, however, generally overwhelmed by IT concepts and various technologies. As the interests of IT professionals has expanded to the cultural heritage realm, collaboration between NGOs specializing in intangible cultural heritage and IT experts has gradually increased. The advantage of ichngo.net is that it has newly devised operational methods to support the growth of cultural diversity and increase international networking for promotion of safeguarding and sustainable practices of ICH. In order to promote greater participation, the Ichnog.net platform operates based on bottom-up and voluntary participation. The major challenge in this activity is that the digital access gap existing within and among NGOs and countries. However, the recent increase in the use of smartphones and social media is to reduce the digital divide. Therefore, the prospect of digital heritage created by the convergence of ICH and digital technology would be positive under the new direction of smartphone usage by the general populace.