The decision was made during the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which kicked off last week and runs through Wednesday at BEXCO in the southeastern port city of Busan, marking the first time South Korea has hosted the annual gathering.
The boundaries of existing wetlands in southern South Korea including those in Boseong, Gochang and Suncheon were expanded, while tidal flats in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, and Yeosu, Goheung and Muan in South Jeolla Province were newly listed, after the committee decided they met criteria for outstanding biodiversity and the conservation of threatened species.
The committee also recognized them as key habitats for internationally important migratory waterbirds and diverse marine life.
First listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2021, these tidal flats are home to more than 2,400 species, including numerous endangered wildlife, with the latest decision expanding their geographic boundaries and recognizing their ecological value.
KHS administrator Huh Min expressed gratitude to the committee, saying the expansion would "help strengthen international cooperation to protect them."
With the latest expansion, South Korea now has 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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