The Gaya Tumuli World Heritage Management Foundation, which will be responsible for the integrated preservation, management, and sustainable use of Korea's Gaya Tumuli, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was launched on October 13 in Gimhae, Gyeongnam, where the Daeseongdong Tumuli Cluster is located.
The city of Gimhae announced that it held the foundation's inauguration ceremony at the National Gaya History and Culture Center in Gwandong-dong on this day, marking the official start of its operations.
The Gaya Tumuli World Heritage Management Foundation was officially launched in Gimhae, Gyeongnam, where the Daeseongdong Tumuli Cluster is located.
Under the theme "Seven Stories, One Gaya," the event was attended by more than 500 people, including officials from the National Heritage Administration, representatives from 10 metropolitan and local governments where the Gaya Tumuli are located, and members of the local residents' protection groups for the tumuli.
The foundation will take the lead in establishing a systematic and scientific preservation and management system for the Gaya Tumuli, revitalizing research on Gaya history, and redefining the value of Gaya's heritage.
Additionally, the foundation aims to develop themed historical and cultural tourism belts that highlight the unique characteristics of Gaya culture in each region, foster a global cultural tourism hub, and expand exchanges with other ancient cultural regions in Korea and abroad, thereby promoting the outstanding universal value of Gaya and the Gaya Tumuli to the world.
Hong Taeyong, mayor of Gimhae (center), and Park Wansu, governor, are smiling while talking with officials from the Gaya Tumuli World Heritage Management Foundation. Provided by Gimhae City
Mayor Hong Taeyong stated, "The launch of the foundation is the result of close cooperation among three metropolitan governments-Gyeongnam, Gyeongbuk, and Jeonbuk-and seven local governments-Gimhae, Haman, Changnyeong, Goseong, Hapcheon, Goryeong, and Namwon-since the Gaya Tumuli were inscribed as a World Heritage site. It serves as a symbolic hub established to ensure the complete transmission of this World Heritage to future generations."
He added, "We will lead the way in spreading the value of the Gaya Tumuli World Heritage and advancing regional culture, with the foundation at the center."
Previously, in September 2023, UNESCO's World Heritage Committee inscribed seven Gaya Tumuli sites in Korea on the World Heritage List.
In December last year, the National Heritage Administration finalized Gimhae as the location for the integrated management organization of the UNESCO World Heritage Gaya Tumuli.
The Gaya Tumuli sites in Korea inscribed on the World Heritage List are: Daeseongdong Tumuli Cluster in Gimhae, Gyeongnam; Marisan Tumuli Cluster in Haman County; Songhakdong Tumuli Cluster in Goseong County; Gyodong and Songhyeon-dong Tumuli Clusters in Changnyeong County; Okjeon Tumuli Cluster in Hapcheon County; Jisan-dong Tumuli Cluster in Goryeong County, Gyeongbuk; and Yugok-ri and Durak-ri Tumuli Clusters in Namwon, Jeonbuk.
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