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Notice of Program Resumption
Notice of Program Resumption 1. Event & Photo time Resumption ○ Changing of the Royal Palace Guard Ceremony - 10:00, 14:00 ○ Guard Duty Performance - 11:00, 13:00 ※ As the severe heatwave alert has been downgraded, program operation are resuming. Thank you for your understanding.
2026-08-11 -
2026 Royal Palace Guard Ceremony [Schedule Information(Aug)]
1. Schedule Information(Aug) ○ Changing of the Royal Palace Guard Ceremony - Time : 10:00 / 14:00 ○ Guard Duty Performance - Time : 11:00 / 13:00 ○ Guard Training Session - Time : 09:35 / 13:35 ○ Guard Patrol Ceremony (Starting in September) - Time : 15:00 ※ The Ceremonial Events can be canceled due to weather condition. ※ Guard patrol ceremony is not operating until August due to the hot weather. See you again in September!
2026-08-11 -
Notice of Program Cancellation
Notice of Program Cancellation 1. Event & Photo time Cancellation ○ Changing of the Royal Palace Guard Ceremony - 10:00, 14:00 ○ Guard Duty Performance - 11:00, 13:00 ○ Guard Training Session - 9:35, 13:35 ○ Guarding the Gate ※ Due to the severe heatwave alert, all programs are canceled for the safety and prevention of heat-related illnesses of visitors and performers. Thank you for your understanding.
2026-08-05 -
Final Decision Approving the Phase II Extension of Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats on the UNESCO World Heritage List
- Final decision adopted at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, adding Yeosu, Goheung, Muan and Seosan Getbol and strengthening the property’s Outstanding Universal Value - The Phase II extension of 「Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats」 has been approved for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. On 25th July, 2026, the World Heritage Committee, convening for its 48th session in Busan from 19 to 29 July, adopted the final decision approving the Phase II extension of the property. The decision approved a significant boundary modification to 「Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats」, which was inscribed on the World Heritage List at the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee in 2021. The modification adds ▲ Yeosu Getbol, ▲ Goheung Getbol, ▲ Muan Getbol and ▲ Seosan Getbol and enlarges the boundaries of the property. As a result, 「Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats」 has been extended and reconfigured as a serial property comprising six component parts, incorporating the previously inscribed Seocheon Getbol, Gochang Getbol, Shinan Getbol and Boseong-Suncheon Getbol. * Component parts of Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats: Boseong-Suncheon-Yeosu-Goheung Getbol; Shinan-Muan Tandoman Getbol; Muan Hamhaeman Getbol; Gochang Getbol; Seocheon Getbol; and Seosan Getbol. The World Heritage Committee recognized that 「Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats」 meets World Heritage criterion (x), which concerns the conservation of biological diversity and threatened species. In particular, the Committee highly valued the property’s natural heritage significance as a key habitat within the Yellow Sea ecosystem and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, contributing to the conservation of internationally important migratory waterbirds and diverse marine life. * Criterion (x): to contain most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of Outstanding Universal Value from the point of view of science or conservation In 2021, 「Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats」 was inscribed on the World Heritage List in recognition of the Outstanding Universal Value of its four component parts: Seocheon Getbol, Gochang Getbol, Shinan Getbol and Boseong-Suncheon Getbol. At the time, the World Heritage Committee recommended pursuing a Phase II extension that would include additional tidal-flat areas and more fully represent the value of the property. In response, since the Phase I inscription in 2021, the Korea Heritage Service has worked closely with relevant central government ministries, local governments, local communities and the World Heritage Promotion Team of Korean Tidal Flats to implement the recommendations of the World Heritage Committee. In particular, it has continuously assessed the World Heritage value of additional tidal-flat areas, designated protected areas and strengthened management systems, consulted with local communities, and responded to the evaluation undertaken by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Phase II extension is a significant achievement made possible by the concerted efforts of the Korea Heritage Service, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the relevant local governments, and the World Heritage Promotion Team of Korean Tidal Flats. It is particularly meaningful as international recognition of Korea’s faithful implementation of the recommendations made at the time of the property’s initial inscription in 2021. It has further strengthened the property’s biodiversity conservation value and integrity by identifying additional component parts and reinforcing the foundations for its protection and management. The decision also reaffirms the importance of international cooperation for the conservation of the Yellow Sea ecosystem and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Building on the extended inscription, the Korea Heritage Service will work even more closely and proactively with relevant central government ministries, local governments, local communities and the World Heritage Promotion Team of Korean Tidal Flats. It will systematically conserve and manage the Outstanding Universal Value of 「Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats」 and establish a foundation for its sustainable use in partnership with local communities.
2026-07-30 -
The 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, Hosted by ROK for the First Time, Successfully Opens at BEXCO, Busan
The Korea Heritage Service (KHS, Administrator Huh Min), in partnership with UNESCO, marked the commencement of the first-ever UNESCO World Heritage Committee session hosted by Republic of Korea through an opening ceremony held at BEXCO, Busan, on July 19 at 6:00 PM. The opening ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including President Lee Jae Myung, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany, KHS Administrator Huh Min, and Busan Metropolitan City Mayor Chun Jae-soo. The event featured a pre-ceremony program, special celebratory performances, and a welcoming reception. As part of the pre-ceremony program, the dignitaries toured the "K-Heritage House," an official pavilion established to commemorate the hosting of the Committee session, checking the final preparations to welcome global visitors starting July 20. Under the theme "Under the Sacred Roof, Echoes of Continuity and Peace" the special celebratory performance opened with a gate-opening performance by the royal palace guards of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It showcased a modern reinterpretation of traditional Korean dances, including Il-mu (One Dance), Shin-Taepyeongmu (New Dance of Great Peace), and Ganggangsullae (Circle Dance). Notably, G-Dragon, the official honorary ambassador for the 48th World Heritage Committee, made a special appearance during the ceremony to deliver an inspiring message of global peace. Taking the stage, G-Dragon stated, "Safeguarding heritage is not merely about preserving the past, but about building peace for the future". He expressed his hope that the small gestures of commitment toward protecting World Heritage originating in Busan would blossom into a grand peace connecting the entire world. In his welcome remarks, President Lee Jae Myung welcomed delegations from around the world. He emphasized the critical importance of dialogue and international cooperation through the medium of culture and heritage in an era of conflict and division. He expressed the Republic of Korea's strong commitment to connecting the world through the "power of culture" and leading peace and cooperation alongside UNESCO. UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany expressed his gratitude for Korea’s hosting of the Committee session and its significant contributions to the World Heritage Convention. The opening session of the Committee, chaired by Chairperson Lee Byong Hyun, will formally commence at 10:00 AM on July 20, the day following the opening ceremony. During his welcome remarks as the representative of the host country that morning, KHS Administrator Huh Min plans to deliver a message stating, "Just like the roof of Jongmyo Shrine featured in the Committee's emblem, I hope this session will serve as a platform for collaboration under one roof, gathering people from around the globe to collectively deliberate on the future direction of the World Heritage Convention in response to global crises". In particular, he will draw attention to the severe threats currently facing World Heritage, such as destruction caused by war and damage from climate change. He will underscore the urgent need for solidarity and cooperation within the international community, drawing a historical parallel to how nations united in the past to save Egypt's Abu Simbel temples from the threat of submersion. Furthermore, highlighting the Republic of Korea's historical experience of developing from a beneficiary of international cooperation to a contributing country, he will emphasize that Korea will continue to serve as a catalyst for cross-border cooperation and solidarity in the field of heritage. Meanwhile, to commemorate the hosting of the Committee session in Busan, the Republic of Korea, KHS and UNESCO have officially published and distributed the World Heritage Magazine, which features stories of Korea's World Heritage, alongside a special edition of the World Heritage Map illustrating the locations of World Heritage sites globally. Both publications are available in three languages (Korean, English, and French). Further details can be found on the UNESCO World Heritage Centre website. * World Heritage Magazine: https://whc.unesco.org/en/review/ World Heritage Map: https://whc.unesco.org/en/wallmap/ To ensure that delegations from diverse nations experience a seamless stay and participation, 60 "World Heritage Navigators" have been deployed. This will provide a valuable opportunity for the selected undergraduate and graduate students, who emerged from a highly competitive selection process, to directly experience the frontlines of cultural diplomacy through international meetings and side events. In tandem, the "K-Heritage House" (Korea Pavilion) will be operational from July 20 to 29 at BEXCO Exhibition Center 1. Various institutions will showcase the multifaceted charms of Korea’s national heritage—the very root of K-culture—through exhibitions, events, and performances. The K-Heritage House welcomes all domestic and international visitors attending BEXCO during the event period. Throughout the 11-day journey of the Committee session, KHS plans to offer domestic and international visitors an immersive experience of Korea's beautiful heritage and traditional values through all five senses. KHS will also work closely with relevant agencies to ensure a safe and successful event until its closing on July 29.
2026-07-21 -
[The 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee] Living Heritage X Traditional Craftsmanship
○ Period - 1st: July 20 ~ 22 Chimseonjang, Jasujang, Gannil – Ipja, Gannil - Chongmoja - 2nd: July 24 ~ 26 Somokjang, Najeonjang, Manggeonjang, Tanggeonjang - 3rd: July 27 ~ 29 Gakjajang, Jogakjang, Gungsijang – Sijang, Gungsijang – Gungjang, Mokjogakjang ○ Main Contents - Public craft demonstration by master artisans, craftwork exhibition, and experience programs ○ Time - 10:00 ~ 18:00 (10:00 ~ 11:30 / 13:30 ~ 18:00) - 10:00 ~ 18:00 (Demonstration 10:00 ~ 11:30 / 13:30 ~ 18:00) A time to encounter 'living heritage,' passed down to this day through human hands and hearts Public Demonstration of National Intangible Heritage Traditional Craftsmanship is a special platform designed to showcase the rare and exceptional skills of master artisans to the public. Far beyond a simple exhibition of finished artworks, it is a vibrant, interactive gathering where visitors can witness live demonstrations by the masters and experience the essence of traditional crafts firsthand. Held in commemoration of the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee, This exhibition introduces fourteen officially designated holders of national intangible cultural heritages across eleven categories, including Mokjogakjang(Master Artisan of Wood Sculpture) Jeon Gi-man(97 years old), the oldest current master artisan of any national intangible cultural heritage, as well as Chimseonjang(Master Artisan of Needlework), Jasujang(Master Artisan of Embroidery), Gannil(Master Artisan of Horsehair Hat Making), Somokjang(Master Artisan of Wood Furniture Making), Najeonjang(Master Artisan of Mother-of-pearl Inlaying), Manggeonjang(Master Artisan of Horsehair Headband Making), Tanggeonjang(Master Artisan of Horsehair Hat Making), <Weekly line-up> 1st: July 20 ~ 22 Chimseonjang (Master Artisan of Needlework): Gu Hye-ja Jasujang (Master Artisan of Embroidery): Kim Yeong-yi Gannil – Ipja (Master Artisan of Horsehair Hat (Brim) Making): Park Chang-yeong Gannil – Chongmoja (Master Artisan of Horsehair Hat (Crown) Making): Gang Sun-ja 2nd: July 24 ~ 26 Somokjang (Master Artisan of Wood Furniture Making): Park Myeong-bae Najeonjang (Master Artisan of Mother-of-pearl Inlaying): Jang Cheol-yeong Manggeonjang (Master Artisan of Horsehair Headband Making): Gang Jeon-hyang and Jeon Yeong-in Tanggeonjang (Master Artisan of Horsehair Hat Making): Kim Hye-jeong 3rd: July 27 ~ 29 Gakjajang (Master Artisan of Calligraphic Engraving): Kim Gak-han Jogakjang (Master Artisan of Metal Engraving): Gwak Hong-chan Gungsijang – Sijang (Master Artisan of Arrow Making): Park Ho-jun Gungsijang – Gungjang (Master Artisan of Bow Making): Kim Yun-gyeong Mokjogakjang (Master Artisan of Wood Sculpture): Jeon Gi-man <Traditional Craft Experience> ○ Participate - Online Pre-booking(naver.com), Walk-in ○ Schedule - 5~15 people per session / 90 min - 10:30, 13:00, 14:30, 16:00 ○ Program - July 20 ~ 22: Chimseonjang(Hanbok Keyring), Jasujang(Tumbler Bag), Gannil(Horsehair Bracelet/Small Horsehair Hat) - July 24 ~ 26: Somokjang(Wood Coaster), Najeonjang(Mother-of-pearl Tumbler), Manggeonjang(Horseghair Necklace) - July 27 ~ 29: Jogakjang(Necklace with Zodiac Design Inlaid in Silver), Gakjajang(Patterned Bookbinding), Gungsijang(Arrow/Bow) <Directions> 55 APEC-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, Republic of Korea ○ Subway: Exit 1, Centum City Station, Busan Metro Line 2 ○ Bus: Get off at Centum City Station BEXCO Bus Stop(09-136) [ 5-1, 39, 40, 63, 107, 115, 141, 155, 181, 185, 1001, 1002 ] ○ Parking: Paid parking(KRW 450/10 min, KRW 15,000/day)
2026-07-19
Traditional cultural products that can enjoy the value and beauty of traditional culture in daily life.












