Boseong-Suncheon, Sinan, Gochang and Seocheon tidal flats already designated
The second phase of Korea's tidal flat World Heritage nomination has received an inscription recommendation from the International Union for Conservation of Nature, clearing a major hurdle ahead of the final decision at the 48th World Heritage Committee session in Busan in July.
The IUCN assessed that the second phase of "Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats" meets World Heritage inscription criterion (X).
Criterion (X) applies to natural habitats of the greatest importance for biodiversity and endangered species conservation. South Jeolla Province's tidal flats were recognized for their high ecological value as a critical stopover on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and as habitat for diverse marine life.
The expansion application seeks to add the tidal flats of Yeosu, Goheung, Muan and Seosan to the Boseong-Suncheon, Sinan, Gochang and Seocheon tidal flats inscribed in 2021.
If the expansion is confirmed, "Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats" will grow to six component parts: the Boseong-Suncheon-Yeosu-Goheung tidal flats, the Sinan-Muan Tando Bay tidal flats, the Muan Hamhae Bay tidal flats, North Jeolla Province's Gochang tidal flats, South Chungcheong Province's Seocheon tidal flats and the Seosan tidal flats.
Three of those six components — the Boseong-Suncheon-Yeosu-Goheung tidal flats, the Sinan-Muan Tando Bay tidal flats and the Muan Hamhae Bay tidal flats — are located in South Jeolla Province.
The concentration underscores South Jeolla Province's role as the core of Korea's tidal flat World Heritage sites and is expected to strengthen the province's standing as a center for conservation and management.
"This inscription recommendation is a meaningful achievement that has earned international recognition for the global value of South Jeolla Province's tidal flats," said Lee Gil-yong, director of the cultural advancement bureau at the South Jeolla Provincial Government.
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