Busan to Host Cultural Festival Around 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee
Creatrip Team
20 days ago
South Korea will turn Busan into a cultural festival during the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting (July 19–29). At BEXCO, a 13,254 m² ‘K-Heritage House’ (대한민국관) will feature 45 exhibits and hands-on booths from 35 institutions showcasing 17 Korean World Heritage sites and tentative listings like Hwaseong and Namhansanseong. Highlights include a 9m immersive media-art installation, a special World Records exhibition, and displays on intangible heritage such as Yeongsanjae. Satellite events across Busan include film programs, a pop-up hanbok (한복) market with traditional crafts, palace relic exhibitions, re-enactments like the royal procession “A Royal Walk,” and performances blending traditional and contemporary arts (e.g., “Sanhwabi: Hexagram 22” and traditional “gut” rituals). Guided heritage night tours of Busan’s wartime capital sites (‘Piran Capital Busan’), field trips to nearby World Heritage sites, and hands-on experiences—such as viewing original Joseon dynasty records and trying historically inspired royal cosmetics—are also offered. The Committee’s plenary will host delegations from 196 countries and about 3,000 participants; this is the first time the World Heritage Committee meets in Korea.
