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South Korea UNESCO world heritage sites

Chungcheong North province [capital = Cheongju]

Beopjusa Temple in Songnisan-myeon at 405 Beopjusa-ro
Among its cultural heritage possessions, one is truly unique. It is the only wooden pagoda in Korea that has preserved its original appearance, named Palsangjeon.

Chungcheong South province [capital = Hongseong]

Royal Tombs in Songsan-ri in Gongju at 50, Ungjin-dong
The tomb is based on the southern Chinese prototypes but also incorporates Baekje elements to create a Korean-style tomb. Solely Korean elements of the tomb include the arched shape of the chamber and the brick colour pattern. The style of King Muryeong's tumulus is found only in the Gongju area.

Gongsanseong Fortress in Gongju at 280 Ungjin-ro, Ungjin-dong
The fort is located atop the Gongsan mountain (elevation 110 metres (360 ft)) and extends over a length of 2,666 metres (8,747 ft), with its stone wall in 1,925 metres (6,316 ft) length and the balance 735 metres (2,411 ft) made of earth.

Magoksa Temple in Gongju at Magoksa-ro 966, Sagok-myeon
As much as the temple's fame, the beauty of the surrounding mountains is renowned especially the area surrounded by Mt. Taehwasan, where Taegeukcheon River flows in the shape of the yin-yang. It is most beautiful during the spring time, when the cherry blossoms, sansuyu, and magnolias fill the whole area.

Donam-seowon Confucian Academy in Yeonsan-myeon at 26-14 Im 3-gil
Situated near mountains and water sources, they favoured the appreciation of nature and cultivation of mind and body. The pavilion-style buildings were intended to facilitate connections to the landscape. The seowons illustrate a historical process in which Neo-Confucianism from China was adapted to Korean conditions.

Neungsan-ri Royal Tombs in Buyeo at 16-1 Neungsan-ri
Seven tombs were unearthed here, with six arranged in two rows and the seventh located 50 metres (160 ft) away. Three tombs have stone chambers with a passage and with vaulted ceilings in hexagonal and square designs.

Naseong City Wall in Buyeo on Wangneung-ro
The wall of the fortress starts from the site where Dongmun (East gate) was located to the area of Geumgang River, made by piling soil up. However, only a few traces remain of it's former glory.

Jeongnimsa Temple in Buyeo on Seoktap-ro
The temple has a layout of a central gate, prayer and lecture halls, and the monks' residential area, all linked by passages. The buildings were made of wood founded over tiled plinths. The site has a five-story pagoda, 8 metres (26 ft) in height with a low platform and a high main body on its first level, and with reducing size at further higher levels.

Archeological Site in Buyeo on Gwanbuk-ri
The archaeological sites and architecture of the Baekje Historic Areas exhibit the interchange between the ancient East Asian kingdoms in Korea, China and Japan in the development of construction techniques and the spread of Buddhism.

Busosanseong Fortress in Buyeo on Ssangbuk-ri
The fort wall has a perimeter of 2,495 metres (8,186 ft) with a base width of 5 to 6 metres (16 to 20 ft), and it is 3 metres (9.8 ft) in height built by the rammed earth method. It has two gates, one on the south and the other on the east; the south gate is the main gate.

Tidal Flats in Seocheon at 22 Maseo-ro 581beon-gil
Seocheon Tidal Flat is an open tidal flat directly linked to the ocean. This ecosystem is composed of a combination of sand and/or muddy sand flats. It is an important site for migratory birds and as a breeding ground for fish. It’s not just a protected reserve for flora and fauna but it also protects the coast from typhoons and waves.

Daegu province [capital = Daegu]

Dodongseowon Confucian Academy in Guji-myeon at 726 Gujiseo-ro
With traditional architectural designs, Dodong Seowon is a classic portrayal of Korean Confucian academies. Even the walls are considered national treasures.

Gyo-dong and Songhyeon-dong Tumuli in Changnyeong-gun at 34 Changmil-ro
There are 115 mounded tombs at the cemetery, but it is assumed that there are many more graves with only underground facilities and that have not been discovered.

Gyeonggi province [capital = Suwon]

Seosamreung Royal Tombs in Goyang at 37-2 Wondang-dong, Deokyang-gu
Notably, monuments in various styles built to house the royal placenta and umbilical cords, known as taesil, which had once been scattered all over Korea, have been gathered and now rest in this tomb cluster.

Jangneung Royal Tombs in Gimpo at 666-1 Pungmu-dong
The surroundings of the tomb have been well preserved and landscaped, so visitors can enjoy relaxing and walking in this area.

Jangneung Royal Tombs in Paju at 25-16 Galhyeon-ri, Tanhyeon-myeon
As characteristic of 17th century Korean art, the tomb is decorated with peony and lotus design.

Pajusamreung Royal Tombs in Paju at 2-2 Bongilcheon-ri, Jori-eup
This is a cluster of three tombs named Gongneung, Sulleung and Yeongneung, in the city of Paju.

Olleung Royal Tomb in Yangju at 13-2 Iryeong-ri, Jangheung-myeon
This is the royal tomb of Queen Dangyeong (1487-1557), consort of King Jungjong, the 11th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty.

Seooreung Royal Tomb in Goyang on Changneung-dong
Seooreung consists of Gyeongneung (the tomb of posthumously designated rulers, King Deokjong and Queen Sohye), Changneung (the tomb of King Yejong, the 8th ruler, and Queen Ansun), Hongneung (the tomb of Queen Jeongseong, a consort to King Yeongjo, the 21st ruler), Ingneung (the tomb of Queen Ingyeong, a consort to King Sukjong) and Myeongneung (the tomb of King Sukjong, the 19th ruler, and his two wives, Queen Inhyeon and Queen Inwon).

Gwangneung Royal Tomb in Jinjeop at 246-3 Bupyeong-ri
The royal tombs, in their response to settings and in their unique (and regularized) configuration of buildings, structures and related elements, manifest and reinforce the centuries old tradition and living practice of ancestral worship through a prescribed series of rituals.

Sareung Royal Tomb in Namyangju at 61-1 Geumgok-dong
Unlike other royal tombs, Sareung looks very simple. Its size is relatively small, and it does not have the “Byeongpungseok” stone border. There is only a “Muninseok” statue of a civil officer and “Seokma”, a statue carved in the shape of a horse.

Hongyureung Royal Tombs in Namyangju on Hongyureung-ro
Hongyureung refers to the two royal tombs, Hongneung and Yureung, which are both located in the same area. Hongneung is the mausoleum of the 26th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, Emperor Gojong (1852-1919, reign 1863-1907), and his wife Empress Myeongseong (1851-1895).

Donggureung Royal Tombs in Guri at Donggu-dong
Donggureung, meaning "East Nine Royal Tombs", is a cluster of Joseon Dynasty royal tombs, the largest of its kind in South Korea. 17 Joseon kings and queens are buried here. The cluster houses a myo type tomb (of a royal family member), as well.

Namhansanseong City in Seongnam on Eunhaeng-dong
Built and defended by Buddhist monk-soldiers, it could accommodate 4,000 people and fulfilled important administrative and military functions. Its earliest remains date from the 7th century, but it was rebuilt several times, notably in the early 17th century in anticipation of an attack from the Sino-Manchu Qing dynasty. The city embodies a synthesis of the defensive military engineering concepts of the period, based on Chinese and Japanese influences, and changes in the art of fortification following the introduction from the West of weapons using gunpowder.

Yungneung and Geolleung Royal Tombs in Hwaseong at Hwasan-dong
Yungneung and Geolleung, within a park in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do, house Crown Prince Sado and Princess Hyegyeong (posthumously named Emperor Sangjo and Empress Heongyeong, and King Jeongjo and Queen Hyoui.

Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon at 1-2 Jangan-dong, Paldal-gu
The massive walls, extending for nearly 6 km, still survive; they are pierced by four gates and equipped with bastions, artillery towers and other features.

Yeongneung & Jangneung Royal Tombs in Neungseo-myeon, Yeoju at 113 Wangdae-ri
Sejong the Great and his wife, Queen Soheon are within a burial mound, surrounded by statues and near a pond and memorial shrine.

Gyeongsang North province [capital = Andong]

Buseoksa Temple in Buseok-myeon at 345 Buseoksa-ro
There are a grand total of nine stone walls on the temple grounds. Koreans regard these nine sets of stairs linked to the stone walls as representing the nine stairs toward Mandala or the nine staircases which one must traverse in order to reach Nirvana.

Sosuseowon Confucian Academy in Sunheung-myeon at 152-8 Naejuk-ri
In 1542, during the 37th year of King Jungjong's reign (1506–44) of the Joseon Dynasty, the magistrate of Punggi County and Confucian scholar, Ju Se-bung, built Baekundong Seowon, renamed to Sosu Seowon in 1550, to honor the peaceful times of Goryeo. Also in 1550, during the reign of King Myeongjong of the Joseon Dynasty, Toegye Yi Hwang established Sosu Seowon as the first legislated private institute of Korea.

Dosan-seowon Confucian Academy in Dosan-myeon at 154 Dosanseowon-gil
Yi Hwang had retired to the location in 1549 and begun construction on the facility, a private Korean Confucian academy offering instruction in the classics and honouring the sages with regular memorial rites.

Bongjeongsa Temple in Seohu-myeon at 222 Bongjeongsa-gil
Bongjeongsa Temple is believed to have been built in 672 by the Great Buddist Monk Ui-Sang.

Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy in Pungcheon-myeon at 30, Byeongsan-ri
It was first established as Jondeoksa by local Confucian scholars especially Jeong Gyeong-se in 1613, the fifth year of King Gwanghaegung's reign, to commemorate the scholarly achievement and virtue of the notable Confucian scholar and politician Ryu Seong-ryong.

Hahoe Folk Village in Pungcheon-myeon at 17-28 Bukchon-gil
The village is a valuable part of Korean culture because it preserves Joseon period-style architecture, folk traditions, valuable books, and an old tradition of clan-based villages.

Oksanseowon Confucian Academy in Gyeongju at 7 Oksan-ri, Angang-eup
It was established by Yi Je-min, the minister of Gyeongju and local Confucian scholars in 1572, the fifth year of King Seonjo's reign, to commemorate the scholarly achievement and virtue of Confucian scholar and politician Yi Eon-jeok (1491–1553).

Historic Areas in Gyeongju at 757, Taejong-ro
The Gyeongju Historic Areas contain a remarkable concentration of outstanding examples of Korean Buddhist art, in the form of sculptures, reliefs, pagodas, and the remains of temples and palaces from the flowering, in particular between the 7th and 10th centuries, of this form of unique artistic expression.

Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju at 산9-37 Bulguk-dong
The Temple of Bulguksa (built in 774) and the Seokguram Grotto form a religious architectural complex of exceptional significance.

Yangdong Folk Village in Gangdong-myeon at 134 Yangdongmaeul-gil
The size, degree of preservation, numerous cultural assets, traditionalism, beautiful natural setting all contribute to the importance of Yangdong Village.

Gyeongsang South province [capital = Changwon]

Namgye-seowon Academy in Sudong-myeon at 8-11 Namgyeseowon-gil
The pavilion-style buildings were intended to facilitate connections to the landscape.

Haeinsa Temple in Gaya-myeon at 10 Chiin-ri
The Temple of Haeinsa, on Mount Gaya, is home to the Tripitaka Koreana , the most complete collection of Buddhist texts, engraved on 80,000 woodblocks between 1237 and 1248. The buildings of Janggyeong Panjeon, which date from the 15th century, were constructed to house the woodblocks, which are also revered as exceptional works of art. As the oldest depository of the Tripitaka , they reveal an astonishing mastery of the invention and implementation of the conservation techniques used to preserve these woodblocks.

Jisan-dong Tumuli in Daegaya-ro at Daegaya-eup 1203
The dense clusters of high-mounded tombs constructed in a mountainous area in the center of Daegaya create a magnificent landscape symbolically demonstrating the elevated position Daegaya maintained within the Gaya Confederacy, as well as the degree to which the Gaya civilization thrived in its heyday.

Okjeon Tumuli in Hwanggangokjeon-ro at Ssangchaek-myeon 1510-60
Over the fourth to the mid-sixth century, the dominant form of burial at the Okjeon Tumuli gradually shifted from wooden chamber burials to stone-lined chamber burials and then to corridor-chamber tombs.

Marisan Tumuli in Haman-gun at Gaya-eup 91 Sami-gil
The political leaders of Aragaya were buried here from the first through the mid-sixth century.

Songhak-dong Tumuli in Kosong at 470 Songhak-ri
Tomb construction here took place in the fifth and sixth centuries to accommodate members of the ruling class of Sogaya.

Daeseong-dong Tumuli in Gimhae-si at Bukbu-dong 126 Gayaui-gil
Tombs at the Daeseong-dong cemetery, which house the bodies of members of the ruling class of Geumgwangaya, are dated to the first through fifth centuries.

Tongdosa Temple in Habuk-myeon on Sinpyeong
Tongdosa is famous because there are no statues outside of the Buddha at the temple because the "real shrines of the Buddha" (relics) are preserved at Tongdosa. Courtyards at the temple are arrayed around several pagodas that house the Buddha's relics.

Incheon province [capital = Incheon]

Dolmen Site in Ganghwa at 317, Bugeun-ri, Hajeom-myeon
The Ganghwa Dolmen Heritage Site, in Bugeun-ri, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, encompasses roughly 120 dolmens, most of which are Northern-style dolmen that are made of large pieces of stone 7.1m in length and 2.6m in height. The dolmens in this region are found in unusual altitudes of 100-200m above sea level and reveal important information about the prehistoric period.

Jeju Island [capital = Jeju]

Lava Tubes in Odeung-dong + Jocheon (Gyorae-ri + Seonheul-ri) + Gujwa (Deokcheon-ri + Woljeong-ri) + Seongsan-ri @
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes together comprise three sites that make up 18,846 ha. It includes Geomunoreum, regarded as the finest lava tube system of caves anywhere, with its multicoloured carbonate roofs and floors, and dark-coloured lava walls; the fortress-like Seongsan Ilchulbong tuff cone, rising out of the ocean, a dramatic landscape; and Mount Halla, the highest in Korea, with its waterfalls, multi-shaped rock formations, and lake-filled crater. The site, of outstanding aesthetic beauty, also bears testimony to the history of the planet, its features and processes.

Jeolla North province [capital = Jeonju]

Mireuksa Temple in Geumma-myeon at 94-2 Giyang-ri
In the Mireuksaji Seoktap site, the temple is a large stone pagoda which is considered the largest temple site not only in Korea but in the whole of East Asia.

Archeological Site in Wanggung-myeon at 562, Wanggoong-ri
After the passing of the king, several key buildings of the palace were dismantled and a temple was built. Even today, the outer wall of the royal palace can still be seen, standing as a testament to the site’s unique history.

Museongseowon Confucian Academy in Chilbo-myeon at 500 Museong-ri
Museongseowon was established at the center of a village in 1696 by a magistrate who wished to promote learning among the locals. It was known for its social education programs that emphasized rituals and music, the key elements which Confucianists should keep in mind by themselves at all times.

Gochang Tidal Flats in Jinseo-myeon, Buan-gun on Gomso Bay, 1059-18 Jinseo-ri
These tidal flats are like a very long beach with significant high tide and low tide. Gochang Tidal Flat Wetland is located in Gomso Bay and is one of the important tidal flats for migratory waterbirds along the west coast of Korea.

Dolmen Site in Gochang at 74, Goindolgongwon-gil
One of the areas with the largest concentration of dolmen (over 447 dolmen) is the Gochang Dolmen site in Jeollabuk-do, Gochang-gun, Jungnim-ri.

Yugok-ri and Durak-ri Tumuli in Namweon at 683 Durak-ri, Ayeong-myeon
Large tombs cluster on the hill ridges, and smaller ones are found on the slopes. Tombs at this cemetery are characterized by a parallel arrangement of two elongated stone-lined chambers respectively functioning as the main and accessory chambers.

Jeolla South province [capital = Muan]

Piram Seowon Confucian Academy in Jangseong-gun at 377 Pilam-ri, Hwangryong-myeon
The pavilion-style buildings were intended to facilitate connections to the landscape.

Dolmen Site in Dogok-myeon at Goindol 1-ro
What makes the Hwasun dolmens special is that in such a small district there are as many as 596 dolmen, including Korea’s biggest stone table.

Seonamsa Temple in Seungju at 802 Jukhak-ri
Seonamsa is a beautiful temple located at the west end of Mt. Jogyesan. You have to walk about 1 km from the entrance to reach the temple. If you go along the valley, two rainbow shaped bridges appear; the large one at the back is Seungseon Bridge. Seungseon Bridge is designated as National Treasure No. 400, and it is Korea’s most beautiful arched stone bridge. Because it blends in so well with the valley below, it is often used as shooting location for movies and TV shows. Just beyond Seungseon Bridge is Gangseonru Tower, a fitting pair to the bridge before it. Walk by the tower and you will come across a small oval-shape pond called Samindang. There is a small isle inside the pond, and an evergreen on the isle makes for beautiful scenery. Go further and Ilju Gate appears. Then various temple buildings come out. The big timber blocks of the temple buildings are impressive, and they blend in elegantly with the surrounding mountains.

Boseong-Suncheong Tidal Flats in Boseong at Suncheon Bay Nature Reserve, 513-25 Suncheonman-gil, Dosa-dong, Suncheon-si
The endless views of tidal flats and reeds make up for a picturesque sight and an unparalleled view. The Suncheon Bay Ecological Park is like an Ecological Disneyland with wooden pathways, boat tours, restaurants, and a big museum. You can observe the tidal flats from an observatory. The upper floor of the observatory has free high-powered viewers which can help to see far away birds.

Daeheungsa Temple in Samsan-myeon at 802 Jukhak-ri
Inside the temple, Daeungbojeon, Chimgyeru, Myeongbujeon, Eungjindang, Cheonbuljeon, Cheonbulsang, Pyochungsa, Daegwangmyeongjeon, Iljiam, Bungmireugam, and Seongbo Museum are situated. The Rock-carved Seated Buddha at North Mireugam Hermitage of Daeheungsa Temple, Haenam (National Treasure No. 308) and Bronze Bell with Inscription of Tapsansa Temple (Treasure No. 88) are preserved as well as various cultural assets and fables such as Budojeon, and Stupa Courtyard, the largest in Korea.

Sinan Tidal Flats in Amtaedo on Dango-ri
There are many tiny islands in Sinan County and Sinan Tidal Flats are the Wetland Protected Area of the Republic of Korea. The views are beautiful all around with rippling blue sea, endless lines of salt pans, green hills, and the rapeseed swaying gently in the wind.

Seoul province [capital = Seoul]

Taereung Royal Tomb in Seoul at 225 Gongneung 2(i)-dong, Nowon-gu
The layout of the tomb is similar to that of other royal tombs. It features a red spiked gate known as Hongsalmun. A two leveled stone walkway leads to a T-shaped shrine. The left walkway is for the spirits while the right walkway was for the king.

Uireung Royal Tombs in Seoul at 146-20, Hwarang-ro 32-gil, Seongbuk-gu
Uireung’s tombs differ from the other royal double tombs in that they are not placed side-by-side. Instead, according to geomantic theory, one tomb has been placed directly behind the other one. The arrangement also shows that when making tombs, Korean ancestors did their best to protect the natural environment. Another feature of Uireung Royal Tomb are the stone fence raised using twelve stone posts. Each post has a letter inscribed, each representing one of the twelve sibijisin gods.

Jeongneung Royal Tomb in Seoul at 635-2 Jeongneung-dong, Seongbuk-gu
Stone sculptures of sheep and tigers watch over the tomb. A major difference between this tomb and other royal tombs is exhibited in the path from the red gate to the sacrificial building. Usually the path is a straight line, but at Jeongneung Royal Tomb, it is crooked and bent.

Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul at 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu
Situated at the foot of a mountain range, it was designed to embrace the topography in accordance with pungsu principles, by placing the palace structures to the south and incorporating an extensive rear garden to the north called Biwon, the Secret Garden. Adaptation to the natural terrain distinguished Changdeokgung from conventional palace architecture.

Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul at 157 Jong-ro, Hunjeong-dong, Jongno-gu
The main features of Jongmyo are Jeongjeon (the main shrine), and Yeongnyeongjeon (the Hall of Eternal Peace, an auxiliary shrine). Other features include Mangmyoru, a wooden structure where the king thought about the ancestral kings in memory; Gongmingdang, the shrine to the Goryeo King Gongmin, built by the Joseon King Taejo; Hyangdaecheong, the storage building for ritual utensils; and Jaegung, a main hall with two wings, where the King and participants waited for the rites to take place.

Seolleung & Jeongneung Royal Tombs in Seoul at 131-1 Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu
Located in downtown Seoul, this place offers tranquil and pleasant promenades for couples and office workers. Seonjeongneung houses the burial mounds of King Seongjong (1469-1494), his wife Queen Jeonghyeon, and King Jungjong (1506-1544) of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

Heolleung & Illeung Royal Tombs in Seoul at 13-191 Naegok-dong, Seocho-gu
Heonilleung Royal Tomb houses the mounds for two kings of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910): King Taejong (1401-1418) and King Sunjo (1800-1834). Heonilleung Royal Tomb possesses numerous stone statues and vestiges, and is a good place to experience the culture of the Joseon Dynasty.