By Shim Sun-ah
The 48th session of the World Heritage Committee will be held in Busan, South Korea, from July 19-29. This landmark event, taking place approximately 330 kilometers southeast of Seoul, marks a historic first, as it’s the inaugural time South Korea has hosted this prestigious gathering since joining the World Heritage Convention in 1988.
This significant global assembly in Busan is expected to draw approximately 3,000 participants. Attendees will represent 196 member states, alongside various international organizations and non-governmental entities. The committee’s vital role includes discussing and making crucial decisions related to the inscription, conservation, and effective management of World Heritage sites worldwide.
The Korea Heritage Service has announced it will operate a dedicated “Korea Pavilion” at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO), the official venue for the meeting. In parallel, a variety of exciting side events will take place across the city, featuring engaging exhibitions, immersive media installations, and compelling film screenings. These initiatives are designed to powerfully highlight the profound value of Korea’s World Heritage sites and broaden public engagement with traditional Korean culture.
Within the Korea Pavilion, visitors can explore 45 exhibition and hands-on booths, managed by a total of 35 institutions. These booths will offer engaging programs specifically centered on Korea’s rich national cultural heritage.
Among the main displays is a compelling themed exhibition titled “Korea and UNESCO.” This exhibit will proudly introduce 17 existing World Heritage sites in South Korea, including renowned locations like Hwaseong Fortress, Namhansanseong, and Sansa, the Buddhist mountain monasteries. Additionally, visitors can learn about Korean sites currently on the tentative list for future inscription.
An immersive media art exhibition, “Heritage: Timeless Time,” will feature a breathtaking 9-meter-tall media installation. This grand display is specifically designed to visually showcase the richness of Korean heritage in an awe-inspiring, large-scale format.
Further exhibits will include a dedicated space for Yeongsanjae, the revered Buddhist ritual recognized on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Additionally, the Busan metropolitan government will host its own informative pavilion, adding to the diverse offerings.
Beyond BEXCO, the renowned Busan Cinema Center, famous for hosting the annual Busan International Film Festival, will offer a special program of travel-themed films. These screenings will spotlight various UNESCO World Heritage sites, providing a unique cultural journey for attendees.
The Busan Museum will also present a special exhibition delving into the historical significance of documentary heritage. This compelling display will feature precious items from UNESCO’s Memory of the World register and valuable pieces from Korea’s royal archives.
