South Korea Expands Mudflat World Heritage Bid to Protect Ecology and Tradition

CNA Jeollanam-do, May 30. South Korea's mudflats are renowned for their rich biodiversity and role as habitats for migratory birds. To expand the ecological conservation area, the government has applied for an expanded World Heritage listing this year, including mudflats in Yeosu and Goheung, Jeollanam-do, with the hope of preserving local residents' traditional way of life. The 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee will be held in Busan this July, marking the first time South Korea has hosted the event since joining the convention 38 years ago. Officials from Suncheon noted that after the reckless development of the 1990s, the city chose conservation. Today, residents actively participate in protecting the ecosystem, maintaining traditional fishing methods, and fostering economic self-reliance through eco-tourism.