World Heritage in Korea

Book excerpt: Korean cultural properties as a mirror of time attract many world citizens. Korean cultural heritage sites have calmly withstood the abrasion of time and function as a mirror of the Korean past, present and future. Over time, the line, color, and shape of the Korean landscape has surpassed the regional limits of the Korean peninsula. World Cultural Heritage is a cultural property title designated by UNESCO. The committee of each country submits an application for registration of World Heritage status of historical properties. The executive committee of UNESCO then deliberates and makes the final decision. A World Cultural Heritage designation can upgrade a country's cultural status. There are numerous World Heritage properties in Korea. They include Changdeokgung Palace, Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, Seokguram Grotto, Bulguksa Temple, Dolmen Sites, and Gyeongju Historic Area. World Heritage in Korea contains the beauty of heritage sites that could be found nowhere but in Korea through the marvelous works of photographer Suh Jae-sik. Full color photos.