Korea begins 100-day countdown to UNESCO World Heritage session

The official poster for the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan / Courtesy of the Korea Heritage Service

Korea on Friday kicked off a nationwide promotional campaign for the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session to be held in Busan, releasing an official video and poster 100 days ahead of the country’s debut as host of the event.

The campaign, led by the Korea Heritage Service, aims to raise public awareness and build momentum ahead of the July gathering in the southeastern city.

The agency said the promotional video highlights the importance of international cooperation in preserving world heritage, while underscoring Korea’s commitment to successfully hosting the global event. The video will also be shown on KTX onboard monitors and display boards at Seoul Station.

An accompanying poster reinterprets traditional Korean architectural elements — including wooden pillars, decorative dancheong patterns and roof tiles — in a modern design. The poster will be displayed at 19 major cultural sites, including the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Museum of Korea, as well as key transit hubs such as Seoul Station and Yongsan Station.

The agency will also release a series of promotional videos featuring Korea’s 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites through its online platforms, with the content available for both noncommercial and commercial use.

The host city is also expanding its outreach. Beginning Friday, messages supporting the event will appear on the Gwangan Bridge media facade and bus information systems across Busan, while posters will be installed in subway stations and bus stops.

The Korea Heritage Service said it will also open a K-Heritage House at BEXCO, the event venue, offering exhibitions, media art, performances and interactive programs through July 29.

A “K-Heritage Talk Concert” is scheduled for May 30 as part of the lead-up campaign, the agency said.

This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.