The listing of the Joseon tombs marks the country’s 9th World Heritage site. The listing of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Korea began in 1995 when Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, Haeinsa Temple`s Janggyeong Panjeon and Jongmyo Shrine were given the designation.

In 1997, two more sites - Changdeokgung Palace Complex and Hwaseong Fortress - made it to the World Heritage site list. In 2000, Gyeongju Historic Areas and Dolmen sites in Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa were included on the list, expanding the country`s cultural heritage portfolio. Most recently, in 2007, the UNESCO committee inscribed Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes.

The royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty form a collection of 40 tombs which showcase the country`s tradition of respect for ancestors. In addition, the tombs are located in areas of outstanding natural beauty because top policymakers of the Joseon period paid great attention to the geomancy factors when they picked candidate sites for their kings and queens.

Alongside the burial area, the royal tombs usually feature a ceremonial area and an entrance. In addition to the burial mounds, associated buildings that are an integral part of the tombs include a T-shaped wooden shrine, a royal kitchen and a guards` house, a red-spiked gate and the tomb keeper`s house - all the historical components being actively researched by historians in Korea.

The royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, scattered over 18 locations, were built over five centuries and their unique features represent one of the most precious cultural and historical assets Korea has preserved.

The state-run Cultural Heritage Administration has been working hard to achieve status for various sites around the peninsula as designation boosts tourist arrivals to the areas chosen. A case in point is when Jeju Island was designated in 2007, the island witnessed a drastic growth of inbound tourists and a similar effect is now expected for the Joseon tombs.

Korea is also keen to apply other cultural sites such as Yangdong Village in Gyeongju and Hahoe Village in Andong to the World Cultural Heritage list in the near future.

For further information please contact: Mr. R Salameh