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Our Story

Connecting memory, people, and the future of humanity.

ichmasters is the world's first Global Cultural Civilization Operating System — connecting heritage practitioners, cultural cities, and institutions through technology, trust, and shared purpose.

Our Mission

To create a global infrastructure where living cultural heritage is preserved, transmitted, and celebrated — connecting practitioners with the institutions and communities who need them, while ensuring authenticity, quality, and fair economic exchange.

Our Vision

A world where cultural heritage is recognized as essential infrastructure for peace, identity, and sustainable development — where every tradition has a path to the future, and every community has access to the wisdom of living cultures.

Our Values

Authenticity

We honor the integrity of cultural traditions and their practitioners

Community

We build bridges between cultures, generations, and geographies

Excellence

We set and maintain the highest standards for cultural programming

Accessibility

We make cultural heritage available and relevant to all

Our Journey

2018

ichmasters founded in Seoul, Korea

Started as a vision to connect cultural practitioners globally

2019

First Arirang Master Awards

Launched certification program with 12 inaugural recipients

2020

CM School established

Opened educational platform for cultural leaders

2021

Global Network reaches 30 countries

Expanded partnerships with cultural cities worldwide

2022

Peace & Recovery Initiative launched

Began cultural healing programs in post-conflict regions

2024

2,400+ practitioners in 47 countries

Platform growth accelerates with AI-powered features

Leadership Team

Our team brings together expertise in cultural heritage, technology, education, and international development.

Dr. Park Ji-won

Dr. Park Ji-won

Founder & CEO

Maria González

Maria González

Chief Cultural Officer

Dr. Ahmed Hassan

Dr. Ahmed Hassan

Head of Certification

Yuki Tanaka

Yuki Tanaka

Director of CM School

Our Partners

Working with leading cultural organizations worldwide

UNESCO
ICOM
Seoul Metropolitan Government
Vienna City Council
British Council
Asia Culture Center

Headquartered in Seoul, Global in Reach

Culture Masters Global Foundation
Seoul, Republic of Korea

47 Countries89 Active Cities2,400+ Practitioners

Join the Global Cultural Movement

Whether you're a practitioner, institution, or cultural city — there's a place for you in the ichmasters network.