UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Korea: Guardians of History and Culture

The history of Korea and its rapid transition into a developed nation is a testament to the resilience of the people over many centuries. According to Korean mythology, the nation began with the founding of Gojoseon in 2333 BCE, and more tangible evidence suggests the Gojoseon era began around 1000 BCE. Evidence from this period can be seen today through distinctive artifacts and other archaeological evidence scattered about the country.

Over the past 3,000 to 4,300 years, Korea’s history has produced 60 significant sites, documents, and intangible practices that are recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). UNESCO is the United Nations’ organization that promotes peace and security through cooperation in education, science, culture, communication, and information. It catalogs World Heritage Sites and Intangible Cultural Heritage practices and maintains a Memory of the World Register that together recognizes global treasures having universal value for humanity.

UNESCO helps protect and preserve these treasures to provide a framework for conservation, public education, and intercultural dialogue around the world. Korea can often be overshadowed by commercialized, generic pop culture; however, it has a deep, rich history that spans centuries and is recognized by UNESCO. Let us take a brief look at Korea’s treasures recognized by UNESCO. 

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

UNESCO’s World Heritage Site catalog is meant to protect and preserve cultural and natural heritage sites considered to have outstanding value for humanity worldwide. Sites can be natural, for example, a forest, mountain, lake, or desert, or manufactured structures, monuments, complexes, or cities. 

Korea has 17 World Heritage Sites cataloged by UNESCO, 15 are cultural sites that span thousands of years, and two are natural wonders that were carved out and developed by mother nature. Some cultural sites consist of items in multiple locations. For example, the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty have 40 tombs scattered about 18 locations across the country; or the seven Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries are on various mountains throughout the country. Both natural sites are a must-see: the Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes, which were carved out long ago, and the Getbol Tidal Flats. There are four tidal flats, also known as mudflats, which are critical habitats for migrating birds and marine life such as clams, crabs, octopus, and many others. There are three of these habitats along the west coast and one in the south. For more information about every Korean site on UNESCO’s list, go to the UNESCO page! 

UNESCO Memory of the World Register

UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register lists documents and archives that have cultural or social impact, showing a country’s significant heritage. Each item has universal value and protects humankind’s diverse memories, and shares them around the world. The register includes, for example, unique written content, books, manuscripts, audio-video materials, and maps. 

Korea is committed to preserving its important historical records and memories and has 20 documents and archives in the register, ranking 5^th in the world. Some documents include the Hunminjeongeum Manuscript outlining the principles and design of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet. Also, the Nanjung Ilgi, which is the personal war Diary of Admiral Yi Sun-sin that details the daily events of his military campaigns during the Imjin War. For more information about every document and archive on the list, scan the QR code to go to the Korean Heritage Service page. The UNESCO site does not list Memory of the World Register items by country; however, this link does. 

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage 

UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage safeguards the intangible cultural heritage. Since there is as much cultural heritage in common practices, rituals, traditions, or living expressions as there is in sites and memories, they are preserved and protected in similar ways. 

Korea has 23 practices that are cataloged by UNESCO, ranking in the top 10 countries in the world. These practices can be arts or performances, rituals, held knowledge, or social practices. Korean intangible cultural performances include Jeju’s Haenyeo, who are female divers on Jeju Island who freedive to great depths to harvest seafood. Also, Kimjang, which is the communal practice of making and sharing enormous quantities of kimchi to prepare for the winter. One intangible practice that originated in Pyeongtaek is Nongak, or farmers’ music. It includes music, dance, and acrobatic performances to celebrate harvests and as a religious ritual. For more information about all of Korea’s intangible cultural heritage practices recognized by UNESCO, click here and make a plan to see these intangible cultural heritage practices! 

Safeguarding the Past for Future Generations

UNESCO designations are more than historical praises but demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding the past for future generations. By protecting the world’s ancient architecture, manuscripts, and traditions, UNESCO helps us appreciate the accomplishments of past civilizations that built the stepping stones to allow us to develop to the point where we are today. It takes a global effort to ensure important artifacts and information that define all of us are never lost. You can contribute to the preservation of our history by simply visiting a UNESCO site or seeking out performances; being a responsible tourist and mindful of the rules; and learning about a site’s history and telling a story about it. Every ticket purchased and every story you share helps to ensure a country’s rich legacy is passed on to the next generation.

Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Korea and Beyond

Curious to learn more about how UNESCO safeguards world heritage and culture? Dive deeper into their global mission and Korea’s remarkable contributions that continue to shape our shared human story.

Learn from the source: Visit the official UNESCO World Heritage Centre to explore the complete list of protected sites and discover how nations around the world work together to preserve history for future generations.

Watch and Learn:

What is UNESCO’s Role in Protecting Immovable Cultural Heritage? — Step inside museum walls to see how history is preserved and protected.

Top 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South Korea — Discover the incredible stories and history right around the corner.

Top 10 Must-See UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South Korea — Explore Korea’s cultural treasures and plan your next heritage adventure.

50 Best UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the World — Travel the world through UNESCO’s most extraordinary landmarks.

Heritage is meant to be experienced, not just remembered. Whether you’re walking through ancient palace grounds or watching a traditional performance, take the time to learn, share, and protect these cultural treasures. Every story told helps preserve the legacy of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Korea for generations to come.