Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung speaks during a press conference at the presidential office in Seoul on July 16, 2025. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, July 16 (Korea Bizwire) — The presidential office on Wednesday welcomed a decision to name South Korea as host of the 48th annual session of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee next year, calling it a “historic moment” for the country.
During the committee’s ongoing meeting at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on Tuesday, South Korea was chosen to host the 2026 session, scheduled to take place in Busan, located about 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul, next July.
“We are very pleased that South Korea has been selected to host the upcoming meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee,” presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung told reporters.
“This year marks the 30th anniversary of the inscription of our proud cultural heritage sites — including Seokguram Grotto, Bulguksa Temple and Jongmyo Shrine — on the UNESCO World Heritage list,” Kang said.
“It will be the first time the World Heritage Committee meeting is held in South Korea, and it will mark a historic moment to promote the country’s cultural achievements to the world.”
The upcoming session in Busan will mark the first time South Korea hosts the meeting 38 years after it joined the World Heritage Convention.
(Yonhap)
