One of the most representative ways to find a place to visit is to visit places that are known for their landmarks. It is because these landmarks are recommended by the people that visited the places that contain great natural scenery. Among the various ways, visiting places designated by UNESCO is the best way to make a memorable trip.

Cultural assets can be largely divided into World Heritage, Intangible Cultural Heritage, and World Record Heritage. For example, the Seokguram Grotto is listed as a World Heritage Site, featuring amazing artistry in man-made stone caves and Buddha statues. Also, the Bulguksa Temple, which contains the special value of ancient Korean temple architecture of South Korea.

▲ Haeinsa Temple on UNESCO World Heritage List

Also, a total of 14 sites are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Haeinsa Temple Janggyeongpanjeon Hall, which is the only building in the world designed to store blacksmith woodblocks. Then Hwaseong, which shows the technical skills of 18th-century Joseon societies.

There are a total of 20 intangible cultural assets listed in South Korea, such as Ganggangsullae, which is known as the most representative folk song of the Korean people, and Arirang, which is a popular form of Korean folk song.

▲ Masked drama that had been handed down in Bongsan

In addition, the Cultural Heritage Administration reported that it submitted an application of UNESCO headquarters on March 31 to register 'Korea's mask dance' on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Talchum is a comprehensive art that contains all elements of dance, music, and play, and contains a variety of old histories and regions.

▲ Dongui Bogam, written by Heo Jun

There are a total of 16 documents which are listed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme, including Donguibogam, which contains medical knowledge and treatment, and General Yi Sun-shin's Nanjung Diary, which was written during the Japanese invasion of Korea.

There are places and cultural assets that show the unique cultures of each country as well as South Korea. Thus, in order to preserve various cultures, we need to recognize and respect other countries' cultures. It is a courtesy we should follow when we visit other countries as well as our own.

April 17, 2020
by Je Seo-yeon