The UNESCO World Heritage Committee approved a second-phase extension of South Korea's Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats, on Saturday, July 25 [2].

This expansion strengthens the legal and environmental protections for one of the world's most valuable coastal ecosystems. By recognizing additional areas, the international community acknowledges the critical role these flats play in global biodiversity and ecological stability.

The decision occurred during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee [2], which was held at the BEXCO convention center in Busan. The committee approved the addition of four new tidal-flat areas: Yeosu, Goheung, Muan, and Seosan [1].

According to reports, this extension increases the total area of the World Heritage property by roughly 22% [2]. The Korea Heritage Service said Getbol is a treasure trove of biodiversity that has now expanded its boundaries through this second phase of extension [3].

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee said it approved the expansion by adding these four new coastal areas to the World Heritage list [1]. The move aims to recognize the ecological importance of the sites and ensure the preservation of the unique habitats found within the Korean peninsula's coastlines.

Officials said that the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee plenary session took place on the morning of July 25 at BEXCO in Busan [2]. The expansion follows an initial listing and represents a commitment to scaling the protected zones to match the actual biological footprint of the tidal systems.

“Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats, a treasure trove of biodiversity, has expanded its UNESCO World Heritage boundaries”

The expansion of the Getbol site reflects a shift toward landscape-scale conservation, recognizing that ecological systems do not follow administrative boundaries. By increasing the protected area by 22%, South Korea secures higher international oversight and funding potential for these wetlands, which are critical for migratory birds and marine nurseries.