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UNESCO World Heritage Committee, Finally in Busan
In 2026, the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee will be held in Busan. This marks the first time that the Republic of Korea has hosted the World Heritage Committee, with Busan selected as the inaugural city to achieve this international feat.
On July 15, local time, the 47th World Heritage Committee held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris confirmed Busan as the next host city, further elevating Busan's status. This event provides Busan with an opportunity to reaffirm its presence to the world.
Since participating in the World Heritage Convention in 1988, Korea has been acting as a World Heritage Committee member country since 1997. However, this is the first time that the World Heritage Committee will be held in Korea.
After being selected as the domestic candidate city, Busan advanced to the finals and succeeded in its bid by emphasizing its historical value, international conference infrastructure, and tourism resources through greetings and promotional videos, showcasing its diverse urban competitiveness.
The Charm of Busan Unfolds to the World
During the event, the Deputy Mayor of Busan's administration emphasized Busan's unique value. He stated that Busan is a city that practices the culture, peace, and humanity that UNESCO advocates, sharing experiences of preserving cultural heritage even amidst a history of war and evacuation.
Additionally, he introduced world-class conference infrastructures such as BEXCO and the Nurimaru APEC House alongside the cultural heritage of 'Evacuation Capital Busan'. A promotional video showcasing various tourist attractions like Haeundae, Gamcheon Culture Village, and Taejongdae added vibrancy to the event and played a significant role in promoting Busan's charm and identity to the world.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee is an important international meeting where representatives from 196 member countries gather to discuss the inscription and preservation of world heritage. This meeting offers the host city an opportunity to strengthen its reputation as a global cultural hub. It is expected that Busan will further solidify its status as a central city in the Asia-Pacific region through this meeting.
Successful Event Preparation through Collaboration with Relevant Organizations
The city of Busan plans to establish a cooperative system with various relevant institutions following the decision to host the event. The National Heritage Administration, Busan Tourism Organization, BEXCO, Busan Cultural Foundation, Busan Research Institute, and others will participate collaboratively.
Particularly, special program development utilizing the historical background of 'Evacuation Capital Busan' and participant-customized tour packages are being discussed. Moreover, exhibitions and performances conveying messages of sustainability and peace will be incorporated into the agenda.
A Busan city official emphasized that "this event will not be a mere meeting but an international platform for practicing the preservation of world heritage, cultural diversity, and sustainability." He further stated, "This opportunity will strengthen Korea's cultural diplomacy and reinforce Busan's city brand to the world."
Conclusion: Busan Moves into the Future with World Heritage
The hosting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan in 2026 carries a significance beyond just an event. It will be an important opportunity that demonstrates Korea's international responsibility in the protection of world cultural heritage.
Preserving world heritage is not merely about honoring the past but a careful choice for future generations and a way to realize the values of the human community.
Busan is preparing to welcome people from all over the world as a city symbolizing culture, humanity, and peace through the preparations for this event. These efforts will greatly contribute to establishing Busan as a global cultural center.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the background for Busan being selected as the host for the 2026 UNESCO World Heritage Committee?
Busan was selected as the host due to its historical value and competitiveness in international conference infrastructure and tourism resources.
The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee will be held in Busan in 2026. After being selected as the domestic candidate city, Busan successfully won the bid by emphasizing its rich historical value, state-of-the-art infrastructure for international conferences, and diverse tourism resources through greetings and promotional videos. Particularly, Busan city highlighted that it is a city that practices the culture, peace, and humanity that UNESCO advocates, and received positive evaluations by showcasing cultural heritage such as Evacuation Capital Busan and world-class facilities like BEXCO and Nurimaru APEC House.
Q. What does the hosting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee mean for Busan?
This hosting presents an important opportunity for Busan to establish itself as a global cultural hub and enhance its international status.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee is an international meeting where representatives from 196 member countries gather to discuss the inscription and preservation of world heritage. The upcoming event to be held in Busan carries significance beyond a mere meeting. Through this opportunity, Busan can solidify its status as a central city in the Asia-Pacific region and reinforce its reputation as a global cultural hub. Furthermore, it serves as a moment for the Republic of Korea to demonstrate its international responsibility in the protection of world cultural heritage, leaving an imprint of cultural diplomacy and the value of its city brand on the world.
Q. What preparations is Busan making for the successful hosting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee?
Busan is preparing special programs and customized tours, exhibitions, and performances in cooperation with relevant institutions.
The city of Busan is in the process of preparing the event by establishing a cooperative system with various relevant organizations such as the National Heritage Administration, Busan Tourism Organization, BEXCO, Busan Cultural Foundation, and Busan Research Institute. Development of special programs utilizing the historical background of 'Evacuation Capital Busan' and planning customized tour products for participants are in progress. Additionally, exhibitions and performances that incorporate messages of sustainability and peace are planned, preparing for an event that transcends a simple international meeting, making it a global platform for the preservation of world heritage, cultural diversity, and sustainability.
Q. What are the reasons and background for Busan hosting the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the first time?
Korea has been active as a World Heritage Committee member country, but this is the first time hosting the World Heritage Committee.
Since participating in the World Heritage Convention in 1988, Korea has been acting as a World Heritage Committee member since 1997, but this is the first time the World Heritage Committee will be held domestically. Busan being selected as the inaugural host city is a significant achievement that enhances Korea's international status, providing an opportunity to showcase the historical and cultural value of the nation and city to the world.
