South Korea UNESCO sites (with map)

(a.k.a. Republic of Korea)

South Korea’s long history is covered by World Heritage sites related to its royal families – things like tombs, palaces – as well as a broad range of religious and spiritual sites. Its list includes a few prehistoric and natural sites as well.

Use the map or the list below it to see South Korea’s list. At the bottom you’ll find the country’s entries on the UNESCO Tentative List.

Changdeokgung Palace Complex
An exceptional example of Korean palace architecture and design in harmony with the surrounding landscape.

Jongmyo Shrine
A Confucian shrine housing the spirit tablets of Korean royal ancestors.

Gyeongju Historic Areas
Ruins of the capital of the ancient Silla dynasty, rich in Buddhist artworks and architecture.

Baekje Historic Areas

Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats

Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites

Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon, the Depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks

Hwaseong Fortress

Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes

Namhansanseong

Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Korea

Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple

Seowon, Korean Neo-Confucian Academies

Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty

Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong

Gaya Tumuli

Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream

South Korea’s Tentative List

Cultural sites

• Sites of the Busan Wartime Capital
• Archaeological Remains at the Hoeamsa Temple Site in Yangju City
• Stone Buddhas and Pagodas at Hwasun Unjusa Temple
• Capital Fortifications of Hanyang : Hangyangdoseong Capital City Wall, Bukhansanseong Mountain Fortress and Tangchundaeseong Defense Wall
• Naganeupseong, Town Fortress and Village 
• Oeam Village
• Salterns
• Ancient Mountain Fortresses in Central Korea 
• Kangjingun Kiln Sites

Natural sites

• Upo Wetland
• Sites of fossilized dinosaurs throughout the Southern seacoast 
• Mt. Soraksan Nature Reserve