Gochang Mudflat Listed as UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site

Published 27 Oct.2021 09:48(KST)

[Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil] The Gochang mudflat in Jeonbuk has received a UNESCO World Heritage listing certificate.

The county announced on the 27th that it participated in the "Korean Mudflats World Heritage Listing Ceremony" hosted by the Cultural Heritage Administration and received the World Heritage certificate.

The event was held to commemorate the listing of "Korean Mudflats" as South Korea's second natural World Heritage site at the 44th World Heritage Committee meeting held online in Fuzhou, China, on July 26.

The ceremony proceeded in the order of a commemorative video for the World Heritage listing, video congratulatory messages including from the president, presentation of a plaque of appreciation and awards by the head of the Cultural Heritage Administration, delivery of the World Heritage listing certificate, and a commemorative photo session.

The event was attended by the head of the Cultural Heritage Administration, the Deputy Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, the Blue House Cultural Secretary, National Assembly member Seo Samsuk, and others, who celebrated the World Heritage listing while complying with quarantine rules.

County Governor Yu Gisang said, "This is a meaningful day certifying the Gochang mudflat's listing as a natural World Heritage site," adding, "The Gochang mudflat is a precious asset that all humanity should cherish and pass on to future generations, and we will devote efforts to preserving and promoting the value of the Gochang mudflat."

Meanwhile, the "Gochang Mudflat," listed as a natural World Heritage site, is home to 90 species of waterbirds including endangered species, 255 species of large benthic organisms, and 26 species of halophytes.

Representative endangered species include the Black-faced Spoonbill, Oriental Stork, White-naped Crane, and the small dolphin known as the finless porpoise.

The Gochang mudflat has been proven to be of the highest level globally in terms of marine biodiversity and is also a key stopover site on the East Asia-Australasian migratory bird flyway.