Now to the Asia and the Pacific region! This is really challenging because we have countries like India, China, Iran, Myanmar, and Indonesia to name a few. On a personal level, I wanted to begin with the country I know best in this region. In other words, starting with the smaller countries first. I think its tough to argue Korea has much to offer in this discussion of Top 50 Missing for Asia and the Pacific. I have researched and considered my own travels in the country, and I believe there are 3 proposals that may warrant consideration.
Unless we decide otherwise, Top Missing sites for the Asia and the Pacific region can be submitted/discussed here between now and May 2nd. I look forward to reading your proposals!
Full Name of Site:Â
Stone Buddhas and Pagodas at Hwasun Unjusa TempleCountry:Â Republic of Korea
TWHS? YES (linked in title)
Short description of site:Â Within the temple area, there are many stone Buddhist statues and pagodas. In addition, several non-Buddhist astronomical monuments such as 'chilseong-am' (Seven Rocks of the Great Bear) are scattered around the ridge and the valley. It is a rare example of spatial construction, and morphology in East Asia. It is likely that the monuments were built one at a time during the early and mid Goryeo dynasty by powerful local families. In contrast to other temples, there are significant influences of Esoteric Buddhism and Taoism. Furthermore, there are vestiges of quarries within the precincts of the temple, which are also exceptional. On the western slope of the mountain, there are stone discs that are 2~4 meters in diameter placed in the shape of the Big Dipper. The thickness of the stone discs were designed differently according to the differences of the brightness of stars constituting the Big Dipper. This is the oldest astronomical data of the class of the stars in the world and is a world class astronomical cultural heritage site.
Resources:-
[TV ZONE] The Wonders of a Thousand Buddhas and a Thousand Pagodas, Unjusa Temple Site in Hwasun- [KOREAN HERITAGE WEBZINE] Unjusa Temple and Its Striking Array of Buddhist Statues and Pagodas (www.koreanheritage.kr/feature/view.jsp?articleNo=19)
Criteria:Â Cultural
Outstanding universal value / comparative analysis:Â Gyeongju Historic Areas (Korea), Mogao Caves (China)
Full Name of Site:Â Jeong-dong: Old Legation Quarter
Country:Â Republic of Korea
TWHS? NO
Short description of site: Around the time of the declaration of the Korean Empire (1897), the neighborhood surrounding the imperial palace of Deoksugung, known as Chong Dong at the time and as Jeong-dong today, emerged as a new center in Seoul when a series of Western institutions were installed there. - Text by Ahn Chang-mo, Professor of Architecture, Kyonggi University
The birth of modern Korea can be traced to efforts in Jeong-dong by Emperor Gojong to begin the modernization of the country. This urban district, includes foreign legations of major world powers such as the United States, Great Britain, and Russia. In addition, Western schools and churches are within close proximity of the Late Joseon primary seat of power, Deoksugug Palace. This palace is unique in that it preserved both traditional stone-made architectures and western-style ones.
Resources:-
[TV ZONE] Seokjojeon Hall, Daehan Empire History Museum- [KOREAN HERITAGE WEBZINE] Jeong-dong, A Newly Discovered Center of Early Modern Korea (www.koreanheritage.kr/visit/view.jsp?articleNo=74)
- [KOREAN HERITAGE WEBZINE] Western Buildings in the Korean Palace of Deoksugung (www.koreanheritage.kr/feature/view.jsp?articleNo=58)
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[FLICKR ALBUM] Jeong-dong: Old Legation QuarterCriteria:Â Cultural
Outstanding universal value / comparative analysis:Â The Victorian Gothic & Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai (India), Kulangsu: A historic international settlement (China)
Full name of site:Â Baekdudaegan Range: Mt. Geumgang and Mt. Seorak [DMZ International Peace Zone]
Country:Â Korea (Joint nomination)
TWHS? YES (two links below)
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Mt. Kumgang and the Historic Relics in and around the Mountain (DPRK)-
Mt. Soraksan Nature Reserve (ROK)Short description of site:Â Over 2,000 animal species live in Seoraksan, including the Korea goral and Musk deer. There are also more than 1,400 rare plant species, such as the Edelweiss. Including its main peak, Daecheongbong. Seoraksan has a total of 30 imposing peaks spread across its territory such as Hwachaebong, Hangyeryeong, and Madeungryeong. Mount Kumgang is a forest-oriented ecosystem linked to coastal, agricultural and freshwater ecosystems. It is home to many endemic and rare species of global significance. The coastal area and natural lakes form the habitats of migratory birds that use the East Asia-Australasian Migratory Pathway. Taebong city in the DMZ is an important historical resource that served as the capital of [Later] Goguryeo for 18 years. The city has high historical and cultural value. The
Gangwon Eco-Peace Biosphere Reserve borders the DMZ and would link the protected reserves in the DPRK and ROK. The significance of the DMZ in both natural and cultural values is exceptional, with habitats, ecosystems, and archeological sites undisturbed for nearly 70 years. There are eighty-two identified endangered species within the DMZ, such as the red-crowned crane and the Amur leopard. *Note - This could be extended to include the entirety of the DMZ or focused solely on linking Mt. Kumgang and Mt. Soraksan through the Central/Eastern terminus of the DMZ.
Resources: -
[Address by President Moon Jae-in] "The path we must take: DMZ as an International Peace Zone"-
[TV ZONE] The Way Which Mountain Goats Live in the DMZ-
[TV ZONE] 12 Seonnyeotang, a beautifully secret garden in Seoraksan MountainCriteria:Â Mixed
Outstanding universal value / comparative analysis:Â Great Smoky Mountains National Park (USA) and Vertical Vegetation Landscape and Volcanic Landscape in Changbai Mountain (China), Surtsey Island (Iceland)
I will certainly be making additional proposals for the Asia and the Pacific region, but I wanted to begin here. I am also curious what sites in Taiwan might be considered for Top 50 Missing?
This is a very useful resources into researching proposals for world heritage sites in Taiwan.
Potential World Heritage Sites in TaiwanI have visited two of the 18 nominations, but I need to research more before I make any proposals.
- Shuei-Jin-Jiou Mining Sites
- Taroko National Park