South Korea's UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Intangible Heritage

As of 2025, South Korea has 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 15 cultural and 2 natural (Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes, and Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats). Below is the full list in order of inscription, followed by highlights from Korea's intangible cultural heritage, such as Arirang and kimjang.

The 1990s: Korea's first World Heritage Sites

Korea's first three sites were inscribed together in 1995. Two more followed in 1997: Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul and Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon.

1995 Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple (Gyeongju)
1995 Janggyeong Panjeon at Haeinsa, home of the Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks
1995 Jongmyo Shrine (Seoul)
1997 Changdeokgung Palace Complex (Seoul)
1997 Hwaseong Fortress (Suwon)

2000s and 2010s

From 2000 on, the list grew to include prehistoric sites, ancient capitals, royal tombs, villages, fortresses, temples, and Confucian academies. Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes (2007) became Korea's first natural site.

2000 Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites
2000 Gyeongju Historic Areas
2007 Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes (natural)
2009 Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
2010 Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong
2014 Namhansanseong
2015 Baekje Historic Areas
2018 Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Korea
2019 Seowon, Korean Neo-Confucian Academies

Recent additions: tidal flats, Gaya tombs, and petroglyphs

In 2021, Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats on the west and south coasts became Korea's second natural site. In 2023, the Gaya Tumuli, burial mounds spread across the country's southern regions, were added.

In 2025, the Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream in Ulsan, which include the Bangudae petroglyphs and the Cheonjeon-ri carvings, became Korea's 17th site. The rock art depicts whales, hunting scenes, and other glimpses of prehistoric life.

2021 Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats (natural)
2023 Gaya Tumuli
2025 Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream (Ulsan)

Intangible heritage: Arirang, kimjang, pansori

Separately from places, UNESCO recognizes living traditions as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Korea's entries include the Royal Ancestral Ritual in Jongmyo and its music (2001), pansori epic chant (2003), the Gangneung Danoje Festival (2005), Arirang (2012), kimjang, the making and sharing of kimchi (2013), Yeondeunghoe (2020), talchum mask dance drama (2022), and jang (fermented sauce) making (2024).

Ssireum, traditional Korean wrestling, was inscribed jointly by South and North Korea in 2018. Documents such as the Hunminjeongeum and the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty fall under a separate program, UNESCO's Memory of the World.

Planning visits by region

In Seoul, you can combine Jongmyo, Changdeokgung, and city-center Joseon royal tombs such as Seolleung and Jeongneung in a single day. In Gyeongju, Seokguram and Bulguksa pair well with the Gyeongju Historic Areas and nearby Yangdong Village.

Hours, fees, and closing days differ by site and managing agency, so check each official website before you go.

FAQ

How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites does South Korea have?

17 as of 2025, including the Bangucheon petroglyphs inscribed that year: 15 cultural and 2 natural.

What is the newest site?

The Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream in Ulsan (the Bangudae petroglyphs and Cheonjeon-ri carvings), inscribed in 2025.

What's the difference between World Heritage and Intangible Cultural Heritage?

World Heritage covers places such as buildings, sites, and landscapes; Intangible Cultural Heritage covers living traditions like songs, rituals, and food culture.

Which World Heritage Sites are in Seoul?

Jongmyo Shrine, Changdeokgung, and several Joseon royal tombs within the city, such as Seolleung and Jeongneung, Taereung and Gangneung, Heonneung and Illeung, and Uireung.

Sources

Last reviewed: 2026-10-28