Busan is good

Busan Confirmed to Host the 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in 2026—A First for Korea

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that the city was officially selected as the host of the 48th session (2026) of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (hereinafter referred to as the “World Heritage Committee”) during the 47th session held yesterday (July 15) in Paris, France.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee (WHC) is an international body established under the 1972 World Heritage Convention and serves as the top decision-making authority for the inscription, preservation, and protection of World Heritage sites.

Busan had previously been designated as Korea’s candidate city on June 30 and has now achieved the remarkable feat of being confirmed as the host city for the 2026 session of the World Heritage Committee—the first such instance in Korea.

Although Korea joined the World Heritage Convention in 1988 and has served four terms as a committee member since being first elected in 1997, this will be the first time for the country to host the World Heritage Committee, adding special significance to Busan’s selection as the inaugural host city.

The 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on July 15, included the official announcement of the next host city, a greeting by the representative of the next host city (Busan’s Deputy Mayor for Administrative Affairs, Lee Jun-seung), and the screening of a promotional video for Busan.

[Greeting from the Next Host City Representative] Deputy Mayor Lee Jun-seung stated, “Busan is a city that has upheld the values advocated by UNESCO and preserved culture and humanity even amid the memories of war and refuge. We are fully prepared to fulfill our role as the host city.”

[Promotional Video] The video left a strong impression by introducing Korea’s beautiful World Heritage sites and Busan’s unique charm through themes such as ‘Heritage of Busan as the Capital of Refuge,’ domestic World Heritage sites, international conference infrastructure including BEXCO and Nurimaru APEC House, and major tourist attractions.

The city plans to collaborate closely with the Cultural Heritage Administration as well as relevant organizations such as the Busan Tourism Organization, BEXCO, Busan Institute of City and Environment, and Busan Cultural Foundation to ensure the successful hosting of the World Heritage Committee.

In particular, Busan will prepare special programs that only the city can offer, aiming to create an unforgettable experience for the delegations and participants from the 196 State Parties to the World Heritage Convention.

Mayor Park Heong-joon remarked, “The official confirmation of Busan as the host city of the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee is a historic accomplishment that enhances the international reputation of both Korea and Busan,” and extended his gratitude to officials from the Cultural Heritage Administration, Busan-based members of the National Assembly belonging to the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, and other participating lawmakers. He added, “We will thoroughly prepare to promote the value of World Heritage and to realize the shared values of humanity—cultural diversity, peace, and sustainability—through this event.”