As one to not appreciate this: Please find a similar cluster of fortifications in Europe, that each form a separate WHS. I feel the Koreans are going overboard with adding new WHS to Seoul.

To be clear (and as stated in my review), I wouldn't mind a large Seoul WHS: Joseon Seoul. This could cover the palaces, the temples, the graves, the walls, the temporary palaces, ... But claiming distinct OUV for slicing essentially the same WHS into several distinct WHS to max out the number of WHS seems wrong and a bad trend.

Don't get me wrong, I totally understand your logic. Without going back too far, I previously expressed that Changdeokgung and Jongmyo ideally would be one World Heritage site, especially since their boundaries are adjacent and now connected. Beijing's nominations were quite similar with Seoul regarding separate inscriptions for the Imperial Palace, Imperial Tombs, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and now the Axis. Should Korea simply combine all of these heritage sites together retroactively because they are a smaller nation? Is the Ming Dynasty sites inherently more valuable than Joseon? Our ratings suggest yes, but OUV is not based on our ratings, nor does 'power' translate to greater value when examining how the Advisory Bodies evaluate candidate nominations. During the 1980's and 1990's, the list was far more focused on singular monuments, instead of serial nominations or cultural landscapes. The Seoul WHS inscriptions started in 1995 (Jongmyo) and 1997 (Changdeokgung), continued in 2009 (Joseon Tombs) and 2014 (Namhansanseong). In 2027, we may or may not see the Capital Fortifications of Hanyang inscribed. I left out Hwaseong, the Ganghwa Dolmen, and the Archaeological Hoemsa Temple Site (potentially aiming for 2029), since they are located well outside of Seoul and not particularly associated with the capital. If these nominations had all happened within 5-10 years, I would agree that nominating multiple sites as separate WHS in the same city (many with strong associated values) would be a negative trend, but this occurred over 30 years. During this time UNESCO and the World Heritage List have evolved and so has Korea in how they produce nomination dossiers. I don't believe Korea simply made a single choice laying out a 30 year World Heritage strategy for Seoul in order to maximize the # of WHS. Seoul was not even remotely ready for a 'Joseon Hanyang' type nomination in the 1990's (Korea became an OECD country in 1996). The demolition of the Government-General of Chosen Building (remnant of the Japanese Colonial Era) in the heart of Seoul was only completed in 1996. Furthermore, the last Princess of Joseon lived at Changdeokgung until 1989!

One thing I noticed in your reviews, which I always enjoy reading by the way, is that you often compare Korea's WHS to Europe. Cultural comparison or cultural contrast is something we all do. Yet, comparing Seoul with London or Paris, Korean dolmen with Carnac, and Baekje sites with the Roman Empire? I personally love the WHS in Korea, not because they are the most outstanding sites, in fact no Korean WHS is in the Top 300 rated sites within our community. Over the years, I have had many joyful experiences at cultural WHS in Korea, but I would not claim being 'awed' or 'stunned' as one of those experiences. I enjoyed every single inscribed site in Korea for what they are, not for how they compare to other WHS. Your reviews and forum posts all suggest you generally had a lovely time in Korea and your ratings all seem within the range of other users. You have plenty of experience with World Heritage travel and I genuinely enjoy reading your reviews, travel plans, and participating in any discussion with you on various WHS topics. I guess my overall point is, you are not wrong, its just why not enjoy the WHS in Korea (or Seoul specifically) for their own OUV, even if those values may be 'niche' compared to Rome or Paris? Its not as if Seoul gets a special certificate from UNESCO claiming that its somehow more culturally rich than any other city around the World. Nevertheless, I look forward to your next review.

From your quote above about Korean Fortresses and Seoul City Wall:
"Please find a similar cluster of fortifications in Europe, that each form a separate WHS"

From your Review of Baekje components in Iksan:
"Personally, I was left a bit wanting. These structures are parallel in time to the Roman Empire. The site pales in comparison to the remains of earlier sites from Antiquity (any site in Greece) and Late Antiquity (Ravenna). While Koreans may be overly invested in the Three Kingdoms period (Silla, Baekje, Goguryeo, plus minor polities like Gaya), I doubt the different regional flavours are that distinctive on a global level."

From your review of the Ganghwa Dolmen:
"The bus ride was the most memorable part of the visit. There was one iconic dolmen, but for those who have seen Carnac, it was underwhelming."

From previous discussion(s) on this topic in 2022:
"As much as I enjoy Seoul, I dislike the constantly growing number of narrow tailored WHS in and around Seoul. If Paris had opted to break down Banks of the Seine, we would talk about Tour Eiffel & Champs de Mars, Louvre & Tulleries, Les Invalides, Notre Dame & Ile de la Cite, Petit Palais & Champs Elysee."

"Please feel free to elaborate how the capital of the empire where the sun never set compares to Seoul?"

"Seoul is not the center of the world and does not play in the same league as cities such as Paris, Rome or London. All of which have less sites."

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Not that this is likely to happen (strictly hypothetical), but I could see an appropriate integration down to 3 Seoul WHS.

- Capital Fortifications of Hanyang (Hanyangdoseong, Bukhansanseong, Namhansanseong)
- Royal Sites of Joseon (Changdeokgung, Jongmyo Shrine, Seonggyungwan Munmyo, Unhyeongung)
- Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty

*Connecting these 'Royal Sites of Joseon' components would revitalize and enhance the values of Changdeokgung and Jongmyo Shrine, since all 4 components proximity are nearly contiguous. Seonggyungwan Munmyo would be a particularly valuable addition and is actually located near the far end of Changdeokgung's 'Secret Garden'.

I would challenge putting Beijing and Seoul at the same level when it comes to the quality of the WHS.

While Imperial Palace, Imperial Tombs and Temple of Heaven are all from 15th Century (Ming), Beijing Central Axis is flagged at 13th Century (Yuan) and Summer Palace is 18th Century (Qing). The Imperial Tombs also have the virtue of not being in walking distance of the Beijing City Centre.

In Seoul, meanwhile we are really talking the same dynasty (Joseon) with Palace (), Temple, Wall, and Tombs in walking distance of each other.


Hwaseong at the end of the day is part of the wider capital region to me and the presence of a temporary palace clearly indicates as much. Combining the city walls, Namhangseong and Hwaseong into a Joseon Capital Fortifications site would be a sensible option. But Korea is going for 3 separate sites and this is what I object to.

Gangwha time wise clearly is distinct. However, I doubt it would have been included if it weren't for the proximity to Seoul. Gochang is the way better site.


At least for the fortifications we are no talking retroactively. We are talking about a recent and continued effort to inscribe capital fortifications. There is the option of extending and Korea isn't going for that. To me, this strongly points to the amount of WHS being the driver, not the WHS status and protection which an extension would provide for, too.

With regards to Ming vs Joseon. I think this only applies to three sites. Central Axis, Temple of Heaven and Forbidden Palace that are geographically linked. At least the Axis, predates the Ming, but agreed. Still, both Temple of Heaven as well as the Forbidden Palace outshine each and every Korean site and as structures have larger individual importance than e.g. Namhanseong.


I find Europe a useful benchmark as it's the continent with the most WHS, being criticized for having too many. I also think that comparing sites and eras is pretty natural when you visit. Carnac wouldnt be a great site if it were built in the 18th century CE.


I stand by that. If Paris or London have less WHS than Seoul, I would object to that. Side note: I also object to the German list growing and growing with at best mediocre sites as we have too much civil servants working in the area.


And here we agree. I would actually add more Palaces to the Royal Sites, but yeah ,this seems about right.

I am happy to see we agreed in the end! Only 2 final thoughts.


Hwaesong was supposed to be a new capital and the palace was not for emergencies, but simply a detached palace. We consider Hwaseong almost a suburb of Seoul because the modern public transportation and highways. The fortress was built in the last years of the 18th century.


I think 2 of 18 Joseon tombs are in walking distance from Changdeokgung / Jongmyo (and those are long walks), many are quite far from Central Seoul (Gyeonggi-do) and one in in Gangwon province. I view the Joseon tombs as a particularly neat and well-preserved WHS, considering its completeness and authenticity, shoehorning the tombs along with several other Joseon components would be a mistake.

Eastern Silk Road Sites in Korea

ICOMOS Silk Roads thematic study: Scoping paper on defining and assessing further routes and corridors a case study on East Asia [June 2022]

I believe this resource has been discussed briefly in the past. However, two years on, we might be getting our first tentative nominations soon. Indeed, in the document above several dozen sites are plotted for China (as much as 79 sites!). For Korea and Japan, the sites take a little bit more effort to induce which properties would be included. Here is my conclusion of at least a handful of Korean components that are not currently inscribed, based on the maps and documentation above seem to be included.

Historic Site - Dangseong Fortress, Hwaseong - it was a key transport center for trade with China across the West Sea. It played an important role as the center of culture exchange and trade with China. At the end of the Silla Dynasty, Dangseongjin Port was established here and became one of the key strategic bases of the Silla navy.

Historic Site - Ancient Tombs in Ipjeom-ri, Iksan - Important relics excavated include earthenware, accessories such as gilt bronze hat, gold earrings, glass beads, harness for a horse, ironware, etc. The period could be presumed to be the 5th century judging from the relics. The gilt bronze crown is similar to the one excavated in Japan, suggesting that cultural exchange took place between the Baekje Dynasty and Japan at that time.

Treasure - Rock-carved Standing Buddha in Geumosan Mountain, Gumi - The face is relatively smooth and it has volume, but the narrow eyes and small mouth are different from other rock-carved standing Buddhas made during the Silla period. The gentle curves of the shoulders and arms match the face, which indicates that this work was done by a very skilled carver.

Historic Site - Archaeological Site on Neukdo Island, Sacheon - The whole island is a large historic relic site, the excavations led to the discovery of 13,000 relics, including shell mound, tomb remains, dwelling sites, and all kinds of earthenware (Chinese-style stoneware, Japanese Yayoi earthenware, and pottery with clay stripes), Chinese coins, and mirror from Han China. A comprehensive historic site from the early days of the formation of ancient states, it has academic importance since it shows evidence of exchanges between Korea, Japan, and China.

Historic Site - Gates of Joryeong Path, Mungyeong & Scenic Site - Mungyeongsaejae Pass - Mungyeongsaejae Pass was opened in 1414, the 14th year of the reign of King Taejong of the Joseon Dynasty, as part of the public road connecting Gyeongsang-do and Chungcheong-do. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was among the most well-known provincial roads in the country. The mountain pass was the main route linking the Hangang River basin in Chungcheong-do and the Nakdonggang River basin in Gyeongsang-do over the Baekdu Mountain Range.

Historic Site - Mireukdaewon Stone Temple Site, Chungju - Hanuljae, which was called Gyelipryeong during the Silla period, is a pass 525 meters above sea level that connects Mireuk-ri in Chungju and Gwaneum-ri in Mungyeong. Just after crossing Hanuljae from Gwaneum-ri, there is the site of a Yeokwon (a horse and inn facility) that is thought to date back to the early Goryeo period, and next to it is the site of Mireuk Daewon. Mireukdaewon Temple Site located on a high land is a stone-caved temple site made to protect the stone Buddha statue. The stone cave was made by piling big stone, and the statues of Buddha were then kept there.

Ancient Mountain Fortresses in Central Korea (7 components) - A variety of routes wind through the central and eastern mountains many guarded by a variety of mountain fortresses. These defensive facilities linked the routes between the Hangang River and the Nakdong River, important transport routes themselves. *note this would reformulate the tentative nomination, which did not have much potential for inscription

Korea, like Japan has also been busy doing pre-work to eventually develop and publish a new tentative list.

Based on this article about Korea's Tentative List process and its current re-working. Korea might finalize their new candidates in the later part of 2025 "To this end, we plan to conduct a comprehensive survey of heritage sites worthy of inclusion on the preliminary tentative list within the next year. The National Heritage Administration also plans to re-examine the heritage sites currently on the tentative list." In so doing, will Korea finalize the components for the 'Eastern Silk Roads' initiative? Perhaps! It may be the only example of collaboration between China, Korea, and Japan in regards to World Heritage.

https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20241201044300005

Quick Summary of News Reports:

Korea seeks to host first UNESCO meeting in 2026 - "The Korean government is planning to host an annual UNESCO meeting on world heritage next year, the Korea Heritage Service said. 'We will launch a dedicated task force soon and pitch the 21 member countries ahead of their decision in July,' a KHS official said Wednesday. The task force on next year's UNESCO meeting will focus on shortlisting host cities an interagency effort . . . noting the government will put together a broader bid plan."

Refuge capital Busan' UNESCO World Heritage registration blocked - "It was belatedly revealed that Busan's City's (nomination) 'Heritage of Busan, the Refugee Capital during the Korean War', which it was pushing for UNESCO World Heritage registration, was put on hold during the National Heritage Administration's priority registration list review last year. The city adjusted its target World Heritage registration date from 2028 to 2030. The city will conduct 'In-depth research for Busan's preservation management system and application supplementation for the refugee capital city' until October to supplement the application."

Getbol Extension [Stage 2]

- 'Korea's first wetland protection area' Muan tidal flats expanded... UNESCO World Heritage Site 2nd stage registration speeds up

- Incheon was ultimately left out of the Tidal Flat World Heritage List

As scheduled, the nomination is currently on target for submission this month. Muan Getbol, Goheung Getbol, Yeosu Getbol are included as detailed in the 2023 Extension. While Incheon was ultimately left out, one additional Getbol component was added in Seosan (Garorim Bay). So the submitted extension will include 4 total components.

Busan now has an official World Heritage promotion website for their wartime heritage nomination. The English end is sparse, while the Korean language version is excellent (use translate). As previously reported by Els for the procedure for the 2029 WHS, a key benchmark is coming this Fall. From the previous post above, Busan is unlikely to be evaluated for 2028, but may not be ready for 2029 either. I suspect Busan's new aspiring date is 2030 (which also happens to be the 80th anniversary since the onset of the Korean War).

What I believe this means is that Hoeamsa has likely replaced Busan for 2029.

'Yangju Hoeamsa Temple Site' selected for UNESCO World Heritage Priority List

National Heritage Administration Selects 'Yangju Hoeamsa Temple Site' as UNESCO World Heritage Priority List

"The city plans to submit a preliminary assessment application to the National Heritage Administration by the end of August for the next step, the Preliminary Assessment. The preliminary assessment is a system introduced by UNESCO that aims to improve the completeness of the application for registration and increase the possibility of registration as a World Heritage site." - further confirmation that Hoeamsa is on track for 2029

Korea's New Nomination Slate:
- 2026 Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats (Extension)
- 2027 Capital Fortifications of Hanyang
- 2028 No Nomination
- 2029 Hoeamsa Temple Archaeological Site
- 2030 Sites of the Busan Wartime Capital

New Tentative List in the works, including details about the process

Korea Heritage Service to prepare list of heritage for UNESCO nominations (published December 2024)

"South Korea currently has 14 items on UNESCO's Tentative Lists, a list first drawn up in 1994. The official added that any updates to the list would be made in 2026 at the earliest, after a year of screening heritage the agency believes holds new relevance. The screening process, the agency official added, would keep Korea's Tentative Lists up-to-date."

The 'first gateway' to World Heritage listing is being worked on... Operation of the provisional list system (published December 2024)

"The National Heritage Administration explained, "It is necessary to continuously and strategically promote World Heritage registration by supplementing the existing method of selecting items for registration in a bottom-up manner. In particular, the plan is to put modern heritages, natural heritages, and cultural landscapes that have received relatively less attention or have not been listed compared to other countries on the preliminary list and select them as provisional lists or manage them as important ones. To this end, we plan to conduct a comprehensive survey of heritage sites worthy of inclusion on the preliminary tentative list next year. An official from the National Heritage Administration said, "We have conducted research to newly discover a tentative list, but going forward, we will directly discover (candidates for registration) heritages and support local governments. The National Heritage Administration also plans to reexamine the heritage sites currently on the tentative list. If the list is re-examined, heritages that have not yet been processed since being selected for the tentative list may be excluded. It is reported that the National Heritage Administration recently notified each local government of this."

Gwangju Nam-gu, promoting the registration of 'Yanglim-dong Missionary Site' as a World Heritage Site

"The National Heritage Administration is expected to conduct research on missionary base sites through eight local governments across the country, then compile all of them and promote registration of them as Korean Christian missionary base sites on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List."

What we can gather from these reports are:

1) The screening process to identify candidates, coordinate with local governments, reexamine current tentative list sites (1994 - 2011) will be conducted throughout 2025 with the aim of completing the work in 2026.

2) Modern heritages, natural heritages, and cultural landscapes will be preferred candidates. A key consulting document for the new tentative list is the 2021 UNESCO World Heritage New Provisional List (Research Report) from Korea ICOMOS and KHS (Korea Heritage Service). From this document and various reports, (as shown above) the Korean Christian Missionary Base Sites is one example of a 'modern heritage' site that is currently being evaluated for inclusion.

3) Older tentative list sites could be excluded or evolve / reconfigure into different nominations. Upo Wetland for example was designated in 2024 as a key component of the Changnyeong UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and may forgo any pursuit of world heritage status. Reports indicate that Goseong County, (component of the Korean Cretaceous Dinosaur Coast nomination from 2007) is currently in pursuit of a UNESCO Global Geopark designation (long-term goal) and hence might also be omitted from the tentative list. While another Korean Dinosaur fossil site in Boseong, will likely be included in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve nomination (submission scheduled for this Summer). Previous reports indicate at least local government discussions exploring reconfigured nominations regarding Naganeupseong and the Goryeo-era Kiln Sites. While I'm unsure how the 'Easterrn Silk Roads' initiative is progressing, the Central Korea Mountain Fortresses could be included as components.

4) We now might be able to infer a timeline that the new Korean Tentative List will be published by this time next year (April 2026).

As 2025 is a screening year for a new tentative list in Korea and I'll be visiting for most of the Summer, please indulge my overemphasis on 'aspiring candidates'. I know some of our community have experienced various 'timing adjustments' around a trip departure in which a tentative list was posted just before, during, or relatively soon after a trip (with an inkling about what might be included beforehand). In my case, the new tentative list will likely be published 6-12 months after my trip. Hence, I have lately been doing a deep dive into potential candidates.

Having since long visited all Korea's WHS and most of the current tentative list, I am focused on a few WHS re-visits and covering additional components. These are mostly made up of specific unvisited sites of serial WHS (2 Seowon, 1 mountain temple, 2 Gaya Tumuli, 1 dolmen, 1 Getbol, etc) and some key tentative sites (Unjusa Temple, Hoeamsa Temple Site, Seosan and Muan Getbol). Perhaps the most exciting re-visit will be in Gyeongju hiking to Chilburam (Namsan Mountain).

So onto the aspiring sites . . . besides being based near Suwon, I will be visiting Daegu, Busan, Gyeongju, and Gwangju. Of the candidate list identified by Korea ICOMOS, I will give specific attention to: Port City Incheon, Modern Protestant Missionary Bases (Daegu, Gwangju), Landscape Korean Gardens (near Gwangju), and Mudeungsan National Park (near Gwangju).

Korea has previously not given much needed attention to historic gardens and pavilions. In fact, until recently only a few have been protected at any level. Soswaewon Garden outside Gwangju is widely considered the representative Historic Korean garden, yet its record of management and conservation has been largely insufficient, even controversial. I visited this garden in 2011 and while I enjoyed my time and snapped some nice photos, the aristocratic literati gardens and pavilions (nujeong) will not take much time to visit, unless of course you plan to write poetry. Korea ICOMOS suggested avoiding naming new candidates "_____" of the Joseon Dynasty or "_____" of Korea. Hence, the tentative name below (loose translation). I think I prefer if the potential nomination focused primarily on Honam (Jeollanam-do), since three of the garden/pavilions are located in one valley along Jeungamcheon Stream outside Gwangju. Though, Chehwajeong in Andong does look pleasant enough. Here is a non-exhaustive list, but some of the main identified components.

Literati Gardens: Nujeong Culture of Honam and Yeongnam

Honam Region *first 3 walking distance, near Jeungamcheon Stream
- Hwanbyeokdang Pavilion and Surroundings, Gwangju *video
- Sigyeongjeong Pavilion and Surroundings, Damyang
- Soswaewon Garden, Damyang *video
- Myeongokheon Garden, Damyang *video
- Imdaejeong Garden, Hwasun

Yeongnam Region
- Chehwajeong Pavilion, Andong
- Cheongwonru House, Andong
- Hansujeong Pavilion, Bonghwa
- Yaongjeong Pavilion, Yecheon
- Bangchojeong Pavilion, Gimcheon

"Hwanbyeokdang and Sigyeongjeong were like brothers. Together with Soswaewon Garden, the two formed "the three great attractions in one valley (i.e., Jeungamcheon Stream)." As the name Hwanbyeok (literally "loop of the blue") suggests, the pavilion is surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful scenes of nature and connected with a wealth of literary heritage created during the Joseon Period. It is also a fine example of the local tradition of the Honam region wherein pavilions are located in the midst of nature rather than in a residential area." - KHS description of Hwanbyeokdang Pavilion and Surroundings, Gwangju

For clarity all existing Korea nominations from 1994 to 2011 will be re-evaluated, potentially re-configured into new nominations, or dropped entirely. Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream (evaluated for 2025) is the last remaining active nomination from the old tentative list.

- Kangjingun Kiln Sites (1994)
- Mt. Soraksan Nature Reserve (1994)
- Sites of fossilized dinosaurs throughout the Southern Seacoast (2002)
- Salterns (2010)
- Ancient Mountain Fortresses in Central Korea (2010)
- Upo Wetland (2011)
- Naganeupseong, Town Fortress and Village (2011)
- Oeam Village (2011

*Of these 8 nominations only two actually developed a nomination dossier. Mt. Soraksan Nature Reserve (seemingly last withdrawn 1996) and Korean Cretaceous Dinosaur Coast (withdrawn in 2009)

From December 2024 to the end of March 2025, previous Korean nominations (pre-2012) had the opportunity to reapply to stay on the Tentative List. From a recent KHS world heritage meeting, 4 nominations did submit an applications and hope to be reexamined, while 3 nominations did not reapply and therefore will be deleted. No official news about the Gangjin Kiln nomination, but previous reports indicate some activity for a serial nomination.

4 Nominations Did Reapply (planned reexamination): This does not guarantee inclusion
- Ancient Mountain Fortresses in Central Korea (2010)
- Upo Wetland (2011)
- Naganeupseong, Town Fortress and Village (2011)
- Oeam Village (2011)

3 Nominations Did Not Reapply (planned deletion):
- Mt. Soraksan Nature Reserve (1994)
- Sites of fossilized dinosaurs throughout the Southern Seacoast (2002)
- Salterns (2010)

A Korean perspective on why it "lost" the vote on rediscussing Japan's way of information at the Meiji Sites:
https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10527027

Just finishing up a 50 day Summer Trip
- Singapore, Bali, and Malaysia (15 nights)
- Korea (35 nights)

Dongtan (home while visiting Korea)
- Seosan (2 nights)
- Woraksan National Park (2 nights)
- Daegu (2 nights)
- Busan (4 nights)
- Gyeongju (2 nights)
- Gwangju (5 nights)
- Seoul (1 + 1 + 1 nights non-consecutive)

Having visited all of Korea's 17 WHS during previous visits years ago (since 2016) including recent inscriptions, I organized a plan that balanced revisiting WHS to add unvisited components, revisit simply for better pictures (especially if the visit was from a long time ago), cover a few more tentative nominations, and lastly prioritize likely (or at least interesting) aspiring nominations. Additionally, I included some National Parks, UNESCO Global Geoparks, and Ramsar Sites. Summer can be bit challenging based on hot temperatures and unpredictable rain, but we persevered! The umbrella is handy to avoid the sun and taking breaks during the midday heat is recommended. Only one major miss of the trip was Changyeong Gyodong Ancient Tombs (Gaya component), which is likely one of the best components of the Gaya WHS. An unforeseen need to change the route and weather (downpour) contributed to missing the only other comparable Gaya component to the Jisandong Tumuli in Goryeong.

Besides short visits to Changdeokgung, Jongmyo and the Hanyang City Wall, these were the 7 WHS and 4 TWHS I focused on.

World Heritage Sites (7)

Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites
- Ganghwa Dolmen (2008)
- Gochang Dolmen (2011)
+ Add Hwasun Dolmen (via public transportation)

Gyeongju Historic Areas
- Wolseong Belt (2008)
- Tumuli Park Belt (2008)
+ Add Namsan Belt (hike to Stone-carved Buddhas at Chilburam and Tapgok Valley)
+ Add Hwangnyeongsa Belt (Bunhwangsa Temple Stone Brick Pagoda)

Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong
- Hahoe (2011)
+ Add Yangdong (via public transportation)

Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Korea
- Beopjusa Temple (2011)
- Magoksa Temple (2016)
- Buseoksa Temple (2016)
+ Add Tongdosa Temple (via public transportation)

Seowon, Korean Neo-Confucian Academies
- Sosu-seowon (2016)
- Donam-seowon (2016)
+ Add Dodong-seowon

Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats
- Boseong-Suncheon Getbol (2011)
+ Add Shinan Getbol

Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
- Gwangneung (Namyangju) Cluster (2008)
- Donggureung (Guri) Cluster (2008)
- Taereung (Seoul) Cluster (2008)
- Yeongneung (Yeoju) Cluster (2008)
- Heolleung (Seoul) Cluster (2011)
- Hongyureung (Namyangju) Cluster (2011)
- Sareung (Namyangju) Cluster (2011)
- Seooreung (Goyang) Cluster (2011)
- Uireung (Seoul) Cluster (2016)
- Yungneung (Hwaseong) Cluster (2016)
- Jangneung (Yeongwol) Cluster (2016)
- Seolleung (Seoul) Cluster (2008, 2016)
+ Add Jeongneung (Seoul) Cluster
+ Add Jangneung (Paju) Cluster

For TWHS, the main focus was on priority nominations. Though, I did add short visits to Hanyangdoseong (specifically where the old Shinto Shrine used to be) and Deoksu Fortress, which is part of the Ancient Mountain Fortresses in Central Korea serial nomination.

Tentative World Heritage Sites (4) *links to Flickr Album

- Archaeological Remains at the Hoeamsa Temple Site in Yangju City (via public transportation)
- Stone Buddhas and Pagodas at Hwasun Unjusa Temple (via public transportation)
- Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats (Extension) *Seosan Getbol

Sites of the Busan Wartime Capital
- Presidential Residence (2016)
- Provisional Capital Building (2016)
+ Add Ami-dong Tombstone Village
+ Add Uam-dong Cattle Shed Village
+ Add United Nations Memorial Cemetery
+ Add Camp Hialeah

As mentioned in this forum previously there has long been a ever-growing list of aspiring nominations in Korea (some are nominated, yet many more are rejected), therefore I will only mention three such proposals. The first two are focused on Modern heritage sites that I prioritized during our travels and the last is related to the Eastern Silk Roads (future proposed transnational nomination that will extend to Korea and Japan). For other aspiring nominations, I think it best to wait on what Korea actually puts forward for its new Tentative List in 2026.

Aspiring Nominations (3)

Port City Incheon

Modern Protestant Missionary Bases of Korea
- Seoul (visited 3 of 3 proposed components)
- Daegu (visited 7 of 8 proposed components)
- Gwangju (visited 5 of 6 proposed components)

Eastern Silk Roads

Coming back to the WHS Commandments regarding Korean WHS. I will only highlight WHS that meet all 10 criteria based on recent visits.

Jongmyo Shrine - individual paper ticket includes the name, date, price, and UNESCO symbol
Changdeokgung Palace Complex - individual paper ticket includes the name, date, price, and UNESCO symbol (combined ticket with Jongmyo and other Palaces also include UNESCO symbol specifically for Changdeokgung and Jongmyo.
Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty - all 18 clusters have an individualized paper ticket including the tomb name, date, price. UNESCO symbol. Furthermore, all 18 clusters have a large UNESCO Plaque specific to the Joseon Tomb WHS.
Historic Villages of Korea - both villages include maps/brochures with English descriptions of the village and clear boundaries of the village. Price for Yangdong is $4000 won and Hahoe Village is $5000 won. Paper ticket stubs are provide that include UNESCO symbol, view of the village, date, and cost. UNESCO plaques are prominently displayed.

All 4 of these WHS have clear maps, brochures/panels that include English translations, clear boundaries, and prices that are modest ($5000 won or less) and even the combined Joseon Palaces/Jongmyo Shrine Ticket is only $6000 won. UNESCO plaque is prominently displayed and official websites provide useful, up-to-date information. Generally, I am quite fond of Korea's individualized plaques for each WHS (including components), for example the Seowon UNESCO plaques or the Joseon Royal Tomb plaques. Prices at all WHS remain modest, for example Yangdong Village is $4000 won and Changdeokgung (individual tickets is $3000, excluding Secret Garden).