▲ A tidal flat in Tando Bay in Muan, South Jeolla Province, is seen in this photo provided by the World Heritage Promotion Team of Korean Tidal Flats. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, July 25 (Yonhap) -- The UNESCO World Heritage Committee decided Saturday to expand the boundaries of South Korea's tidal flats on its World Heritage List.

The committee supported the expanded inscription of Korean "getbol," or tidal flats, onto the list at its 48th annual meeting in Busan, about 330 kilometers southeast of Seoul.

With the approval of "Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats Phase II," the boundaries of the UNESCO-listed Korean wetlands now include four additional coastal wetlands -- in Seosan in South Chungcheong Province, and Goheung, Muan and Yeosu in South Jeolla Province.

The first set of four Korean tidal flats was inscribed on the UNESCO list in 2021 for its value as one of the world's most important habitats for maintaining biodiversity and as a key stopover for migratory birds.

Saturday's decision had been widely expected as the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the advisory body on natural heritage to the World Heritage Committee, had previously recommended the inscription of the South Korean nomination. Sites receiving such a recommendation are highly likely to be approved.

Following the expansion, the UNESCO-listed Korean tidal flats will be regrouped into six zones: one encompassing wetlands in Boseong, Suncheon, Yeosu and Goheung; a second including Sinan and Tando Bay in Muan; and the remaining four in Muan's Hamhae Bay, Gochang, Seocheon and Seosan, respectively.

South Korea currently has 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Seokguram Grotto, Bulguk Temple and Jongmyo Shrine. Most recently, "Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream," prehistoric rock carvings along the stream in suburban Ulsan, were inscribed last year.

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