Busan to Host the 2026 World Heritage Committee Meeting—First for Korea
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Busan to Host the 2026 World Heritage Committee Meeting—First for Korea
□ On July 15, 2025, in Paris, France, Busan Metropolitan City was chosen as the host of the 48th session of the 2026 World Heritage Committee.
○ The World Heritage Committee is the highest decision-making body responsible for the inscription, conservation, and protection of World Heritage Sites under the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
□ Busan was nominated as Korea’s candidate city on June 30 and is now confirmed as the first-ever Korean city for a World Heritage Committee gathering.
○ Since joining the convention in 1988, Korea has served four terms as a member state, beginning in 1997. Busan’s selection therefore carries particular significance as the nation’s inaugural host.
□ The 47th session, held on July 15 at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, involved: ▲ the announcement of the next venue; ▲ a speech by Busan Vice Mayor for Administrative Affairs Lee Jun-seung; and ▲ a promotional video about Busan.
○ [Speech] Vice Mayor Lee affirmed, “Busan is determined to uphold UNESCO’s founding principles and safeguard culture and humanity, even in challenging times. We are ready to fulfill our responsibilities.”
○ [Promotional Video] A video introduced: ▲ Busan’s enduring legacy as the wartime capital during the Korean War and World Heritage Sites throughout Korea; ▲ exceptional conference facilities—BEXCO and Nurimaru APEC House; and ▲ landmarks showcasing the broader appeal of Busan and Korea as a whole.
□ Moving forward, Busan will collaborate closely with the Korea Heritage Service, the Busan Tourism Organization, the Busan Development Institute, the Busan Cultural Foundation, BEXCO, and various stakeholders.
○ A range of distinctive programs reflecting its character will be crafted to leave lasting impressions on delegates from 196 countries.
□ Mayor Park Heong-joon remarked, “Facilitating the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee will be a historic milestone that enhances the global stature of both Korea and Busan. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Korea Heritage Service, local members of the National Assembly’s Culture & Sports Committee, and lawmakers who accompanied us to Paris. We will ensure thorough preparations are made to promote not only the value of World Heritage Sites but also the universal ideals of diversity, peace, and sustainability.”
