Professor Kim Ji-won
The Living Guardian of Korea's Dance Heritage
Presidential Award Winner · Choi Seung-hee Lineage Inheritor · Dance Semiotics Pioneer · Cultural Authenticity Expert
Prof. Kim Ji-won
김지원
Professor Kim Ji-won is a pioneering scholar of Korean dance, semiotics, and cultural philosophy. A presidential award recipient and practitioner-scholar, she has developed one of the most rigorous analytical frameworks for understanding Korean movement culture as a living intellectual tradition.
Her work spans dance semiotics, Korean aesthetic philosophy, regional dance traditions, animal symbolism, cross-cultural performance theory, and the intersection of traditional culture with digital media.
She approaches Korean dance not as technique or entertainment, but as embodied knowledge — the body as a living text carrying centuries of worldview, memory, and meaning.
Through Cham Heritage, her research is translated into a global platform that makes Korean cultural intelligence accessible, relevant, and enduring.
Academic Excellence
Ph.D. in Dance Semiotics
Hanyang University
Dissertation selected as Outstanding Thesis. Innovation: First comprehensive notation system for Korean traditional dance, applying semiotic theory to preserve intangible cultural heritage.
Ph.D. in Arts Administration
Dankook University
Expertise in cultural management, institutional development, and the intersection of traditional arts with contemporary business and entertainment industries.
M.A. in Culture & Arts
Sookmyung Women's University
Foundation studies in cultural theory, arts policy, and the role of traditional arts in contemporary Korean society.
Teaching
Dankook University
Professor at the Graduate School of Culture & Arts Management. Teaching next-generation scholars and practitioners in cultural policy, arts management, and traditional performing arts.
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2024
The Presidential Award
In 2024, Kim Ji-won received Korea's Presidential Award at the 29th Hanbat National Gugak Competition—the highest honor in Korean traditional performing arts.
This recognition validates three decades of dedication to preserving, innovating, and globalizing Korea's dance heritage. The Presidential Award is not merely a performance accolade; it represents the Korean government's acknowledgment of Kim as a national cultural treasure.
She is now recognized as an authority worthy of representing Korea's intangible heritage to the world.
Dance Masters & Teachers
Professor Kim Ji-won received three decades of training under Korea's most distinguished dance masters.
Yang Tae-ok
Jindo Bukchum (Drum Dance). First teacher who introduced Kim to the world of Korean traditional dance in 1993.
Im Yi-jo
Salpurichum & Seungmu. Foundational training in the two most significant sacred dances of Korean tradition.
Kim Jin-hong
Seungmu Specialization. Advanced mastery of the Monk's Dance, refining technique and spiritual interpretation.
Jeong Jae-man
Han Yeong-suk Style Seungmu & Taepyeongmu. Training in the distinctive Han school interpretation of these sacred forms.
Jeon Hwang (2003-2010)
Primary Master
Complete Repertoire: Ssanggeommu, Sogochum, Jangochum. The crucial final years of intensive transmission from the Choi Seung-hee lineage.
Published Works
The Codes and Interpretations of Korean Dance
2007
Ministry of Culture Selected Outstanding Academic Book. Comprehensive dance analysis with introduction to the semiotics notation system.
Falling in Love with Korean Dance
2009
Popular introduction praised for "reading like a performance." Accessible entry point to Korean dance philosophy for general readers.
Dance Speaks: The World of Signs and the Languages of Dance
2010
Deep-dive into semiotics framework. Academic exploration of how dance functions as a language system with its own grammar and vocabulary.
Yaho! Let's Dance
2010
Award-winning illustrated book for ages 6-12. Introducing Korean traditional dance concepts to the next generation through engaging storytelling.
Government Service
Official Appointments
Inter-Ministerial Evaluation Committee Member
Evaluator Name:
Jiwon Kim
Activity Period:
From December 18, 2025 (ongoing)
Qualification Granted Date:
December 18, 2025
Awards & Honors
2024
Presidential Award
29th Hanbat National Gugak Competition. Korea's highest honor in traditional performing arts.
2014
Grand Prize, Korean Records Culture Award
Creative Convergence Category. Recognition for pioneering work in dance semiotics and notation system development.
2007
Outstanding Academic Book
Ministry of Culture Selection for "The Codes and Interpretations of Korean Dance."
1997
Silver Prize, National Gugak Competition
Early recognition of exceptional talent in Korean traditional dance performance.
Ongoing
Featured Performer
"Masters of Korean Dance" Series and major cultural events in Korea and internationally.
Read about Professor Kim Ji-won work
The Perfect Harmony of Dance and Theory, Professor Kim Ji-won's Artistic World
seoulfocus.kr, 2026
Professor Kim Ji-won has demonstrated outstanding capabilities in both dance performance and academic achievement, and has once again proven her stature through her award at the Hanbat National Traditional Music Competition.
The Perfect Harmony of Dance and Theory, Professor Kim Ji-won's Artistic World
gugaktimes.com, 2024
Professor Kim is called a "hidden figure" in the Korean dance world for her outstanding dance performance skills as well as her remarkable theoretical and academic achievements in Korean dance. Her journey, which possesses both artistic merit as a dancer and depth as a scholar, is a great inspiration to the Korean dance community.
Unraveling the Aesthetics of Love and Regret in BTS
Jimin's Towel: Kim Ji-won & Lee Chan-ju
woman.donga.com, 2023
When our joyful melodies flow, people spontaneously start swaying their shoulders to dance, even without being taught. However, one should not stop at merely swaying. As a Korean, one must be able to explain what makes us that way. This is the inspiration behind Professor Kim, a dancer herself, writing *Falling in Love with Korean Dance*.
Kim Ji-won's dance 'The Camellia Blooms'
ohmynews.com, 2021
Through this performance, Kim Ji-won will showcase a creative work that embodies the image of camellia flowers blooming brightly even amidst the snow of midwinter. This piece is drawing attention for adopting a new dance format utilizing still photographs and videos as a backdrop, a style never before attempted in Korean dance.
'Salpuri Dance' Professor Kim Ji-won: "I will show a dance of exhilaration, not sorrow," June 1, Poeun Art Hall
art.chosun.com, 2017
Professor Kim, who has appeared multiple times in the 'Masters and Dancers of Korea,' continues to strive to carry on the attitude and spirit of dance while remembering Jeon Hwang, who taught Choi Seung-hee's dance; Yang Tae-ok, a Living National Treasure in Jindo Bukchum; and Gong Ok-jin, a master of solo dance drama.
Kim Ji-won, Professor at Sun Moon University: "Our Traditional Dance Is a Language and a Philosophy"
mk.co.kr, 2013
Korean dancer and Sun Moon University professor Kim Ji-won (38) reads "fertility" in Ganggangsullae. " Professor Kim said, "Women performed Ganggangsullae on nights with a full moon to pray for fertility. In a way, it is a very erotic dance."
