유네스코 세계유산 후보로 오른 한국의 문화재
Korea has 13 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The country is also making efforts to preserve other major cultural and natural assets and register them as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Lee Min-sun sheds light on the potential candidates. 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.
"This Sosu Seowon and eight other Seowon properties that are in top condition and have high value as important historical sites have been nominated for the listing."
"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."
As well as the possible addition of Seowon to the cultural list, Korea's tidal flats, Getbol, could become Korea's second site on the World Natural Heritage list when the World Heritage Committee makes its final decision in July.
Tidal flats in four regions are being considered for their high biodiversity, being a habitat for endangered species and having the thickest mud deposits in the world.
"Having sites listed as a world heritage site means that Korea's cultural heritage is recognized not only from our own perspective but also from a global perspective. Through this process, we can also improve understanding of our cultural heritage."
Korea currently has 14 sites on the tentative world heritage list including the Gaya Tumuli, tombs from the ancient federation of Gaya, located in the southern part of Korea. These seven ancient tombs of Gaya provide archaeological evidence of the ancient history of Korea and East Asia.
Lee Min-sun, Arirang News.
