UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE in Korea, a territory filled with valued sites from different historical background.
Korea has rapidly developed for a few years now, and thanks to it has rise among the highest industrialized countries. Nonetheless Korea’s cultural legacy has been well preserved and with the rapid changes operating, it is now offering to its visitors a enjoyable vision mixing tradition and modernity. Therefore now the country is being appreciated worldwide. Today, Korea is counting twelve cultural and natural property registered as World Heritage by UNESCO. Impressive isn’t it?
Several of them can be comfortably visited in Seoul or its surroundings, including the Royal Jongmyo Shrine, the lavish set Changdeokgung Palace and the royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty : Samreung Gongwon and Donggureung.
From the capital, one can also reach Suwon in the day and admire the imposing fortress of Hwaseong and the mysterious dolmens of Ganghwa-do. It is in Ganghwa-do province that was engraved Tripitaka Koreana, 81,258 wooden tablets inscribed with Buddhist scriptures that are now kept in the Haein-sa, also classified a world heritage temple.
The historic walls of Gyeongju, the “outdoor museum”, is dotted with fabulous examples of Korean Buddhist art: sculptures, reliefs, pagodas and remains of temples and palaces. Not far away, in the mountains above the Bulguksa temple, a beautiful stone Buddha in the middle of the eighth century occupies the Seokguram Grotto.
Finally include three sites on the volcanic island of Jeju; Hallasan, Manjanggul Lava and the Seongsan Ilchulbong peak, all examples of natural diversity.
Since 2007, some important places of Jeju have become part of the UNESCO world heritage list such as its volcanic island and the lava tubes. An island where biodiversity is reigning, the island is homing various rare plant species. Due to its geological importance this place becomes unique and precious.
Korea is the country housing the most dolmens on earth. Nearly half of them are located there, quite fascinating isn’t it? Especially when you know how small is the Korean peninsula. And today we are not sure of the number but some says that it actually might be more than half of them. Mostly built as gravesite, it was also used for altar rituals. They are quite old since they are dating back to 5000 years ago. All dolmens are quite dispersed in the country but only the 3 most atypical ones were chosen as UNESCO world heritage. It was in 2000.
For a long time, the city has been the capital during Shilla Dynasty period (BC 57-935). Today, after around a thousand years, remaining of history has been kept intact everywhere. The city has preserved its heritage in its walls as you will find ancient landmarks in a nearly perfect state standing as a proud legacy. As the ancient relics were making entirely part of Gyeongju, UNESCO has taken the decision to name the entire city as a world cultural heritage. That is the reason why we call it “museum without walls,” as it portrays an open sky museum. Among the numerous relics stored in the city, three are drawing tourist’s attention. It includes Bulgaksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and Daereungwon Tomb Complex.
Initially built in 528 during Shilla dynasty, it has been rebuilt in 751, and completed in 774. From then, its name went from “Hwaeom Bulguksa temple” to only Bulguksa.
Located on the Tohamsan Mountain, it is constituting the 24th national UNESCO treasure heritage. This stone temple is made of granite and was constructed in 751 and finished in 774 along with Bulgaksa Temple.
Gyeongju One Day Tour – The Museum Without Walls
One of the three principle Buddhist temples in Korea, Haeinsa is the most distinguished cultural legacy when It comes to Korean Buddhism counting 1200 years of heritage. Prior it was the home of many honorable priests owning him the name of first Dharma Jewel Monastery.
5D4N Korea Cultural Heritage immersion Tour
Jongmyo is the royal shrine where the memorial services for the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty were performed. It is valued for its historical background more than its structure itself. Over 500 years, queens and kings have deceased at that place making it a inestimable place for Korea.
Declared world heritage by UNESCO, this palace owns a magnificent secret garden, showcasing multiple facets according to the season. Changdeok Palace is well preserved and has buildings blending into the surrounding natural landscape. Among the different areas, Huwon (Secret Garden) is one of the most popular tourist attraction because it’s the only rear garden among all the Korean palaces. As a quintessential example of Korean style and for its simpleness, frailness and historical importance it was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
Within this forty royal tombs dating back to Joseon Dynasty, are buried previous kings and queens of Korea’s history. Because of its unusual good condition and excellent preservation state, it was listed in the UNESCO world heritage list.
Yangdong Village is the most famous as it is Korea’s largest traditional village. Recognized as a Unesco world Heritage, by definition it is a place of huge historical interest. Naturally, the site is filled by ancestors’ treasure, but above all, authentic and fearlessly intact traditional Korean houses.
Gyeongju Yangdong Village [UNESCO World Heritage]: turning a hundred years back
The Suwon Hwaseong Fortress was the world’s first planned city. With its unusual and advanced structure back in the days, it was constructed under king Jeongjo’s rule and used a huge amount of money, likewise manpower. This project was on an unprecedented scale in all Joseon dynasty history background.
Korean Folk Village and Suwon Fortress Castle Tour
Originally designed as an emergency capital for the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910), the Namhansanseong fortress was Built to fulfill important administrative and military functions. It is dating back from the 7th century, and was rebuilt several times.
Located in the mountains, the area homes eight archaeological sites dating from 475 to 660 CE : the Gongsanseong fortress and royal tombs, the Busosanseong Fortress and Gwanbuk-ri administrative buildings, the Jeongnimsa Temple, the royal tombs in Neungsan-ri and the Naseong city wall , the royal palace at Wanggung-ri and the Mireuksa Temple.
Korea has in total 40 Korean items listed either as World Heritage Sites or Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, or have been included on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, constituting a wealth of priceless cultural heritage which Korean’s are proud!
Korea has a lot of worthy sites to visit, so if you travel to Korea once you should really try out at least one of this place.
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