Chungcheongnam-do announced on the 7th that it has submitted an application to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the inscription of the Garorim Bay tidal flat in Seosan, covering an area of 64.67㎢, as a World Natural Heritage site.
The Garorim Bay tidal flat is part of the Southwest Coast tidal flats, one of the world’s top five tidal areas, and is known as a haven for marine ecology. It was designated as the first Marine Life Protection Area in the country in 2016.
Located east of Garorim Bay, Seosan tidal flat is a crucial stopover on the East Asia-Australasia Flyway for migratory birds. It is home to more than 5% of the world’s population of the critically endangered Chinese egret.
Over 600 species of tidal flat organisms, including legally protected species such as the white-clawed fiddler crab and the spotted snail, inhabit this area. It is also the only inland habitat in the country for the spotted seal, which is an endangered species and a natural monument.
The decision on whether it will be inscribed will be made at the 48th World Heritage Committee meeting in July next year, following an evaluation by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Currently, Korea’s natural World Heritage sites include Jeju volcanic island and lava tubes, as well as the tidal flats of Korea. The tidal flats of Korea, inscribed in 2021, include the tidal flats in Seocheon in Chungcheongnam-do, Gochang in Jeollabuk-do, and Sinan and Boseong-Suncheon in Jeollanam-do. The World Heritage Committee has recommended expanding this listing.
A representative from Chungcheongnam-do stated, “We plan to transform Seosan Garorim Bay into a premium ecological space where nature, humans, the sea, and life come together,” and added, “We will collaborate with Seosan City and the Cultural Heritage Administration to ensure the Garorim Bay’s inscription as a World Natural Heritage site while also expanding international networking.”