A UNESCO evaluation body has recommended inscribing taekwondo as an intangible cultural heritage representing the DPRK, paving the way for its recognition as a standalone North Korean heritage listing ahead of a final decision next month.

The recommendation, published Thursday by the evaluation body of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, concerns Pyongyang’s nomination titled “Taekwon-Do, Traditional Martial Art in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.”

A draft decision by the committee described taekwondo as an unarmed self-defense art open to people of any age, gender or physical condition, and highlighted the leading role