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South Korea's tidal flats are a vital habitat for over 2,000 species of marine life, including endangered migratory birds. In recognition of their rich biodiversity, four tidal flats—Seocheon in South Chungcheong Province, Gochang in North Jeolla Province, Shinan, and Boseong-Suncheon in South Jeolla Province—were designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2021. Today, on July 25, four more tidal flats have been added to the list: Seosan in South Chungcheong Province, Muan, Goheung, and Yeosu in South Jeolla Province. This marks the first time that a domestic heritage site has undergone such an expansion.

Reporter Lee Ju-sang has the details.

[Reporter]

The expansion of the "Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats" to the UNESCO World Heritage list was decided at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee currently being held in Busan.

The World Heritage Committee evaluated the "Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats" as a core habitat along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway for migratory birds and a treasure trove of diverse marine life.

Tidal flats are flat coastal areas of mud or sand that are submerged by the sea at high tide and exposed above the water at low tide. The areas around the west and south coasts of the Korean Peninsula are gaining attention as globally important ecological spaces.

[Heo Min / Administrator of the Korea Heritage Service: Together with North Korea and China, we aim to fulfill our role as a leading country in the preservation of global heritage concerning the tidal flats of the Yellow Sea, the 'Yellow Getbol.']

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee, running through July 29 in Busan, has seen a record scale with some 3,100 participants from 162 countries.

During the event, about 52,000 people visited the Korea Pavilion set up by the South Korean government to introduce Korean culture.

South Korea now holds 15 cultural heritage sites, including Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, and Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon, as well as 2 natural heritage sites, including Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes and the tidal flats.

Next year, the "Hanyang Capital Fortress," a large-scale facility built by the Joseon Dynasty to defend its capital, will bid to become the country's 18th UNESCO World Heritage site.

(Video by: Jeong Gyeong-mun, Video Editing by: Chae Cheol-ho)