We have had AI-assisted reviews, AI-assisted connections, and now AI-assisted examining of potential candidates! Solivagant highlighted the challenge of us having to 'lead too much' with information, including World Heritage concepts / lingo, which sometimes would limit its usefulness.

Here are some ChatGPT results I found interesting.

Inquires about the 2026 WHC Host Country

As of now, the host country for the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in 2026 has not yet been officially confirmed. The process for selecting the host country involves various factors including bids from interested countries, logistical considerations, and the approval of the World Heritage Committee.

Active Campaigns and Host Candidates

Mexico: There have been reports of interest from Mexico in hosting the World Heritage Committee sessions. Given Mexico's rich cultural and historical heritage, it could be a strong contender.

South Korea: South Korea has also expressed interest in hosting the World Heritage Committee sessions. The country has a significant number of World Heritage Sites and a strong commitment to heritage preservation.

United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE has shown interest in hosting UNESCO events, including potentially the World Heritage Committee sessions. The UAE's rapid development and cultural initiatives make it a possible candidate.

Portugal: Portugal has been active in cultural heritage preservation and has expressed interest in hosting UNESCO-related events. Its rich history and cultural sites could make it a viable candidate.

China: China, with its extensive list of World Heritage Sites and its active role in UNESCO, might also be a potential host for the 2026 sessions.

Additionally, I was able to plug-in a significant amount of information related to a long list of aspiring candidates for Korea's Tentative List. On an annual basis, there are literally countless media reports about World Heritage, including frequent articles and reports (English and Korean) about aspiring candidates. Furthermore, the government body involved with evaluating potential candidates, publishes all of their decisions online after their meetings, often 4-8 such meetings per year. Therefore, the amount of information about World Heritage in Korea is significant.

Results Below:

Here's a summarized analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status, along with their potential to be included on the Republic of Korea's official Tentative List. The rankings are categorized as high, moderate, or low based on their likelihood of inclusion.

1. Sorok-do Rehabilitation Center

Strengths: Represents a significant historical and social development in the treatment of leprosy. Unique in its historical context.
Weaknesses: Limited universal appeal and potential controversy regarding the portrayal of leprosy history.
Potential: Moderate - While historically significant, its universal value may be less compelling compared to other candidates.

2. Jeju Stone Culture

Strengths: Rich in cultural and historical value with unique stone structures and practices that are distinctive to Jeju Island.
Weaknesses: Potential overlap with existing nominations in Jeju Island and challenges in demonstrating OUV.
Potential: Moderate - Cultural uniqueness is strong, but clarity on universal value is required.

3. Port City Incheon

Strengths: Important historical and cultural significance as a major port city with international connections.
Weaknesses: May need more evidence of outstanding universal value beyond its historical role as a port.
Potential: Moderate - Significant in a historical context but requires stronger demonstration of OUV.

4. Modern Protestant Missionary Base

Strengths: Represents a significant aspect of Korea's modern religious history with numerous sites across multiple cities.
Weaknesses: Dispersed sites may complicate cohesive narrative; also may lack unique global significance.
Potential: Moderate - Important locally but may struggle with establishing a strong universal value.

5. Yongsan Base

Strengths: Significant military and historical site reflecting Korea's modern history and military heritage.
Weaknesses: Potentially controversial due to military associations; may need clearer universal value.
Potential: Low - Military sites often face challenges in demonstrating OUV and may be controversial.

6. Sungkyunkwan

Strengths: A prominent Confucian academy with historical and educational importance.
Weaknesses: Potential overlap with other Confucian heritage sites already recognized.
Potential: Moderate - Significant in a historical and educational context, but may need to demonstrate distinctiveness.

7. Han River Estuary Wetland

Strengths: Important for biodiversity and ecological significance in an urban context.
Weaknesses: Urban proximity might limit natural value; could face challenges in demonstrating global ecological uniqueness.
Potential: Moderate - Ecological significance is strong, but urbanization may affect its candidacy.

8. Ulleungdo and Dokdo

Strengths: Unique natural features and biodiversity, including volcanic landscapes and distinct flora and fauna.
Weaknesses: Geopolitical issues might complicate international consensus; challenges in demonstrating OUV.
Potential: High - Unique natural features provide strong potential for inclusion, though geopolitical concerns must be managed.

9. Jukmak-dong Ancient Maritime Relics

Strengths: Represents significant historical maritime activity and cultural heritage.
Weaknesses: Relatively less well-known compared to other candidates; may require stronger documentation of OUV.
Potential: Low to Moderate - Historical significance is notable but may lack broader universal appeal.

10. Jeongjo Cultural Heritage: Hwaseong New Town

Strengths: Represents significant architectural and historical value related to King Jeongjo's era.
Weaknesses: Rejected previously; may face similar challenges in demonstrating OUV.
Potential: Low - Previously rejected, likely due to difficulties in establishing universal value.

11. Landscape Korean Garden (Nujeong Culture)

Strengths: Unique garden culture with significant traditional and cultural value.
Weaknesses: May need to demonstrate broader universal value and how it stands out from other garden cultures.
Potential: Moderate - Unique in Korean context, but may need stronger case for global significance.

12. Mudeungsan National Park

Strengths: Notable for natural beauty and biodiversity; unique geological formations.
Weaknesses: May need to compete with other natural sites already on the list.
Potential: High - Strong natural value with unique features; could be a strong candidate with proper documentation.

13. Ganghwa Anglican Hanok Church

Strengths: Represents a unique blend of architectural styles and historical significance.
Weaknesses: May need to show broader impact or significance beyond local context.
Potential: Moderate - Unique architectural and historical significance but may need to demonstrate broader appeal.

14. Ancient Polities of the Yeongsan River Basin

Strengths: Reflects significant historical development and cultural evolution.
Weaknesses: May require extensive documentation to demonstrate comprehensive OUV.
Potential: Moderate - Significant historical context but needs robust evidence of universal value.

15. Placenta Chambers of the Joseon Dynasty

Strengths: Unique cultural and historical practice related to royal customs.
Weaknesses: May be considered niche; could face challenges in demonstrating broader global significance.
Potential: Low to Moderate - Culturally significant but may struggle with universal value.

16. Goryeo Celadon Sites

Strengths: Significant cultural heritage related to Goryeo Dynasty ceramics; already has global recognition.
Weaknesses: Expanding nomination might face challenges in distinguishing it from previous nominations.
Potential: High - Strong cultural significance and existing recognition; could enhance existing nominations.

17. Dolmen Extension (Paju, Jangheung, Goheung)

Strengths: Adds to the already recognized Dolmen sites with significant archaeological and historical value.
Weaknesses: May need to demonstrate how these sites enhance or differentiate from existing World Heritage properties.
Potential: High - Enhances existing recognition with significant archaeological value.

18. Hwaeomsa Temple

Strengths: Central to Hwaeom Buddhism and significant architectural and religious heritage.
Weaknesses: Could face challenges in demonstrating universal value compared to other religious sites.
Potential: Moderate - Important religious site but may need a stronger case for global significance.

19. Ganghwa Maritime Fortifications

Strengths: Significant historical military fortifications with unique architectural features.
Weaknesses: Potential overlap with other military heritage sites and challenges in proving universal value.
Potential: Moderate - Historical significance is notable, but may need a clear demonstration of OUV.

20. Goryeo Ruins of Namhan River Basin Temples

Strengths: Represents significant religious and architectural heritage from the Goryeo Dynasty.
Weaknesses: May face challenges in distinguishing from other Goryeo-era sites already considered.
Potential: Moderate - Important historical and cultural value but may need robust documentation.

21. Catholic Relics in the Naepo Area of South Chungcheong Province

Strengths: Represents significant historical and religious heritage related to Catholicism in Korea.
Weaknesses: May need to demonstrate how these sites uniquely contribute to global heritage.
Potential: Moderate - Religious and historical significance, but may need to clarify universal value.

22. Wando Cheongsando Terraced Landscape

Strengths: Unique cultural landscape reflecting traditional agricultural practices and terraced farming.
Weaknesses: May need to demonstrate broader ecological or cultural significance beyond local context.
Potential: High - Unique cultural landscape with significant agricultural heritage.

23. Ruins of Hanseong-Baekje

Strengths: Extends the Baekje Historic Areas to include significant archaeological and historical sites in Seoul.
Weaknesses: Potential overlap with existing Baekje sites; needs to demonstrate how the extension adds unique value.
Potential: High - Significant historical extension that enhances the existing Baekje designation.

Summary

High Potential: Ulleungdo and Dokdo, Mudeungsan National Park, Goryeo Celadon Sites, Dolmen Extension (Paju, Jangheung, Goheung), Wando Cheongsando Terraced Landscape, Ruins of Hanseong-Baekje

Moderate Potential: Jeju Stone Culture, Port City Incheon, Modern Protestant Missionary Base, Sungkyunkwan, Han River Estuary Wetland, Jukmak-dong Ancient Maritime Relics, Landscape Korean Garden (Nujeong Culture), Ancient Polities of the Yeongsan River Basin, Hwaeomsa Temple, Ganghwa Maritime Fortifications, Goryeo Ruins of Namhan River Basin Temples, Catholic Relics in the Naepo Area of South Chungcheong Province

Low Potential: Sorok-do Rehabilitation Center, Yongsan Base, Jeongjo Cultural Heritage: Hwaseong New Town, Placenta Chambers of the Joseon Dynasty

I found that having ChatGPT analyze each candidate sites strengths, weaknesses, and potential for inscription (demonstrating OUV) yielded results worth noting. AI favored natural sites, extensions, and cultural landscapes in regards to Korea's aspirational sites.

How does that analysis compare with what's been written by humans? My experience with using AI in my day job has been pretty hit and miss, eg it'll happily make things up. Wondering if the same caveat applies here.

The biggest pre-requisite is that the organizer must be a part of the WH Committee, as it also supplies the Chairperson (often a Vice Chair or Rapporteur in the years before). So they should be looking at the countries with an active mandate up to 2027 instead of name-dropping fairly random countries (and China has already been a host in 2023):
- Jamaica 2023-2027 2027
- Kazakhstan 2023-2027 2027
- Kenya 2023-2027 2027
- Lebanon 2023-2027 2027
- Republic of Korea 2023-2027 2027 (VC 2026)
- Senegal 2023-2027 2027
- Türkiye 2023-2027 2027
- Ukraine 2023-2027 2027
- Viet Nam 2023-2027 2027

I was not diligent enough regarding the host countries and plug-in additional information to 'help' AI make a more informed decision! Hence, some of our challenges with using AI inadvertently highlighted!