A view of the Okjeon Ancient Tombs in Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do, seen from the northern ridge. This is a photo taken in the summer of 2019 showing the tombs of the rulers of Dara Kingdom. Provided by Gaya Ancient Tombs World Heritage Registration Promotion Team
The Gaya Ancient Tombs, which refers to a large group of tombs where the rulers of the small kingdom of Gaya in the Yeongnam-Honam region from the 4th to 6th centuries are buried, was added to Korea’s 16th UNESCO World Heritage list. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee’s 45th meeting, which opened on the 10th and continued on the afternoon of the 17th (Korean time) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, finally confirmed the registration of the ‘Gaya Tumuli’ as a World Heritage site, which was on the agenda that day. did. The ‘Gaya Ancient Tombs’ listed on the World Heritage List refers to a continuous heritage consisting of a group of ancient tombs in seven regions that represent the tomb culture of the ancient civilization ‘Gaya’ that unfolded on the Korean Peninsula. The seven tomb groups are the Yugok-ri and Durak-ri tombs in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do, the Jisan-dong tombs in Goryeong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, the Daeseong-dong tombs in Gimhae, Gyeongnam, the Malisan tombs in Haman, Gyeongnam, the Gyo-dong and Songhyeon-dong tombs in Changnyeong, Gyeongnam, the Songhak-dong tombs in Goseong, Gyeongnam, and the Okjeon tombs in Hapcheon, Gyeongnam.
A bird’s-eye view of the Songhyeon-dong and Gyo-dong tombs in Changnyeong, where the rulers of Bihwa Gaya are buried. Provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration
The 45th World Heritage Committee said on UNESCO’s official website, “The Gaya Ancient Tombs maintain a unique system that is autonomous and horizontal from neighboring countries and serve as important evidence showing the diversity of East Asia’s ancient civilization, and thus meet the core criteria for World Heritage registration as ‘excellent.’ The basis for the evaluation was disclosed, saying, “Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) is recognized.” In addition, the World Heritage Committee will continue efforts to protect the heritage by securing privately owned land within the seven tomb groups and mitigate the impact of the road between the heritage and buffer zone, especially the Gyo-dong tomb group and Songhyeon-dong tomb group in Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do. It was also recommended to develop a promotional strategy for the region, establish an integrated inspection (monitoring) system, and expand local community participation. The decision to register the ‘Gaya Ancient Tombs’ is the result of 10 years since it was listed on the World Heritage tentative list in 2013. After the Korean government submitted an application to UNESCO in January 2021, it underwent on-site inspections by the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), an advisory and review body of UNESCO, and received a ‘recommendation for registration’ from ICOMOS in May of this year. This led to the decision to list the work.
A portion of the ancient tombs of Malsan Mountain in Haman, Gyeongsangnam-do, which are believed to be the tombs of the Aragaya ruling class. Provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration
The Cultural Heritage Administration said, “This is the result of the combined efforts of the Cultural Heritage Administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to UNESCO, the relevant local government, and the Gaya Ancient Tombs World Heritage Registration Promotion Team,” adding, “We are actively working with the local governments in charge to preserve the value of the World Heritage and contribute to the development of the local community.” “We will cooperate and provide our best support,” he said. World Heritage is determined by examining cultural heritage and natural heritage with outstanding universal value that must be protected for all humanity in accordance with the ‘Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage’ adopted in 1972. With the registration of the ‘Gaya Ancient Tombs’, the number of World Heritage sites held by Korea has increased to 16 (14 cultural heritage sites, 2 natural heritage sites). Beginning in December 1995, when Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju, Janggyeong Panjeon of Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do, and Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul were listed as World Cultural Heritage for the first time in December 1995, ‘Korea’s Tidal Flats’ were listed as World Natural Heritage in July 2021, making it the 15th world heritage site. It has been recorded as a legacy.
An explanatory map showing the locations of the seven Gaya Ancient Tombs in Yeonghonam, which are on the World Heritage list. Provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration
Reporter Noh Hyeong-seok nuge@hani.co.kr
2023-09-17 12:27:53
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