"Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats" Passes First Hurdle Toward UNESCO World Heritage Extension

IUCN On-Site Inspection Completed
Mudflats of Muan, Goheung, Yeosu, and Seosan Newly Added

On-site inspection of the Goheung mudflat by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

"Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats" has passed the first hurdle toward being added as an extended UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The National Heritage Administration announced on October 2 that the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) conducted an on-site inspection of the "Phase 2 of Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats" application, which was jointly submitted with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, from September 26 to October 1.

This application newly includes the mudflats of Muan, Goheung, Yeosu, and Seosan. The buffer zones of the existing mudflats in Seocheon, Gochang, Boseong, and Suncheon have also been expanded, taking into account the habitats and migratory ranges of waterbirds. These changes reflect the recommendations made by the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee in 2021.

Heo Min, Director of the National Heritage Administration, meeting with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) inspection team

IUCN experts directly inspected the expanded buffer zone in Suncheon and the four newly proposed sites, reviewing their management status and conservation systems. They also met with local governments, residents, and experts to hear explanations and exchange opinions. Heo Min, Director of the National Heritage Administration, told them, "The government will take full responsibility and see this through to the end."

The decision on whether the World Heritage site will be extended will be made at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, to be held in Busan in July next year, after document review and panel meetings.