유네스코 세계유산 후보로 오른 한국의 문화재 (Part 1)
Now, let's turn to some cultural news… the UNESCO selects cultural and natural heritage sites from around the world and helps protect and preserve those sites.
And it looks like some more Korean sites could be added to that list.
In part two or our part-three series on diversification of "Hallyu" or Korean wave,... we take a look at the UNESCO world heritage sites in Korea.
For that Arirang's Lee Min-sun now joins us in the studio.
So, Min-sun, let's start with some background… what world heritage sites do we have in Korea? I know some famous ones in Seoul like Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine.
Hi Da-eun, Korea has a total of 13 world heritage sites including the ones you mentioned. World heritage sites can be classified as one of three categories: cultural, natural or mixed heritage. The volcanic island of Jeju was added in 2007 as Korea's
first natural heritage site. Some of the cultural heritage sites in the country include the historic villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong, as well as Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju and Sansa- the Buddhist mountain monasteries of Korea which were added last year.
Sounds like Korea is continuously making efforts to add more heritage sites to the list. What are some new cultural or natural assets that we can expect to see on the UNESCO World Heritage list?
Korea currently has two sites waiting for the final decision from the World Heritage Committee in July. They are Korea’s Seowon, Confucian Academies from the Joseon Dynasty, and Korea's tidal mud flats called Getbol.
Let’s take a look at Sosu Seowon which is one of the 9 Seowons that has been well managed and has important historical value.
Located in the tranquil town of Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, these Hanok buildings show the education system and architecture of the Joseon Dynasty.
Called Seowon in Korean, these Confucian academies, which sprung up in the countryside during the 16th and 17th centuries, are the equivalent of today's universities or colleges.
Recognized for their wealth of intangible cultural heritage that shows history, education, rituals, and documentary culture, Korea's Seowons are being considered for UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage list.
"Sosu Seowon is the first such academy, and the King bestowed signboards, books, and workers to it. Korea's Seowon stand out from similar education institutes in other countries in that Seowon are surrounded by natural features and have a flexible layout in harmony with nature."
