‘Shinan Getbeol’ Becomes a World-Leading Tidal Flat

Inscribed as UNESCO 'World Natural Heritage' by the World Heritage Committee

County Governor Park Wuryang: "We will do our best to preserve the value of Shinan Mudflat"

Shinan Amtaedo Chupo Mudflat (Photo by Shinan-gun)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] The "Korean Tidal Flat, Getbol," which includes the tidal flats of Sinan, Jeollanam-do, has been designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site at the 44th World Heritage Committee meeting.

The "Korean Tidal Flat" designated at this committee consists of four areas: Sinan Tidal Flat (Sinan-gun), Boseong-Suncheon Tidal Flat (Boseong-gun and Suncheon-si), Gochang Tidal Flat (Gochang-gun), and Seocheon Tidal Flat (Seocheon-gun). Among them, Sinan Tidal Flat covers about 85% of the entire heritage area, having the largest area of 1,100.86 km².

According to Sinan-gun on the 27th, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held the 44th World Heritage Committee meeting online in Fuzhou, China, on the afternoon of the 26th Korean time, and made the final decision to register the "Korean Tidal Flat, Getbol" on the World Heritage list.

Sinan Tidal Flat features many large and small tidal channels passing between numerous islands, and extensive tidal flats surrounding the islands. It has unique characteristics rarely found worldwide, such as pearl mudflats up to 40 meters deep and distinctive sand deposits on the pearl mudflats.

Additionally, it is a tidal flat of global significance, visited by over 54,000 waterbirds of 90 species, including 14 species listed on the IUCN Red List.

Recognized for these outstanding qualities, Sinan Tidal Flat was inscribed as the second World Natural Heritage site in Korea, following the "Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes," through the decision at the 44th World Heritage Committee.

An official from the World Heritage Division of Sinan County Office stated, "Having managed Sinan Tidal Flat as a wetland protection area, we will now promote its excellence and distinction as a World Natural Heritage site and implement systematic management to sustain it for the local residents who live by the tidal flats."

Governor Park Woo-ryang said, "Sinan Tidal Flat has become not only a representative tidal flat in Korea but now a tidal flat representing the world," adding, "We will do our best to preserve the value of Sinan Tidal Flat as a World Natural Heritage site through systematic management and global promotion."