Presidential Office: "Korea's Selection as UNESCO Committee Host a Historic Moment to Showcase Cultural Powerhouse to the World"

Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, is holding a briefing on current issues at the Presidential Office building in Yongsan, Seoul, on the 16th. Photo by Yonhap News

The Presidential Office stated that being selected as the host country for next year's UNESCO World Heritage Committee is "a historic moment to showcase Korea, a cultural powerhouse, to the world."

On the 16th, Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, expressed her delight at Korea's final selection as the host country for the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to be held in July next year.

Kang emphasized, "This year marks the 30th anniversary of our proud cultural heritage, such as Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list," adding, "World heritage is a precious cultural asset that connects the past, present, and future."

Kang went on to say, "Amid the climate crisis, urbanization, and development pressures, continuous protection is more necessary than ever," and added, "To this end, the international community must cooperate, and Korea will fulfill its responsibilities as a global cultural powerhouse."

Previously, on the 15th (local time), the UNESCO World Heritage Committee selected Busan as the host city for the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, which will be held in July 2026, at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France. This will be the first time the World Heritage Committee is held in Korea.