More Korean Sites May be Added to World Heritage List

Two more historic Korean sites are salted be added to UNESCO's World Heritage List, ancient dolmens in Kanghwa, Kochang, Hwasun and the city of Kyongju.

On June 28th, the Paris convening of the UNESCO committee in charge of designating world heritage sites recommended these two historic sites to the international list of "natural and cultural properties of outstanding universal value against the threat of damage". Following precedent, the committee usually follows through on recommendations made, making it certain that at the World Heritage conference to be held in Cairns, Australia this year, Korea will find itself in charge of two more UNESCO sites.

There are 630 sites and monuments on the World Heritage list from 118 countries around the planet, of which the Sokkuram Grotto, the Haeinsa Temple complex, the Chongmyo Royal Shrine, the Changdokkung Palace Complex, and Hwasong Fortress are found on the Korean peninsula.

by Park Tae-wuk