Villages and Historic Areas
Baekje Historic Areas
Baekje Historic Areas is made up of eight archaeological sites that have been protected as a single UNESCO World Heritage listing since 2015. Baekje is an ancient kingdom that is divided into three different periods - the Hanseong period (18 BCE to 475 CE), the Ungjin period (475-538 CE) and the Sabi period (538 to 660 CE). The sites comprising the Baekje Historic Areas date from 475 to 660 CE, making them part of the Ungjin and Sabi periods. The eight sites are split over three different locations - the present day cities of Buyeo, Gongju and Iksan. The sites in Buyeo are Busosanseong Fortress and Gwanbuk-ri, Jeongnimsa Temple, Naseong city wall and the Neungsan-ri royal tombs. In Gonju the sites are Gongsanseong Fortress and the Songsan-ri royal tombs and the final two sites in Iksan are Wanggung-ri Palace and Mireuksa Temple. Baekje Historic Areas was inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015 as evidence of the development of building practices stemming from interactions between different kingdoms/countries, evidence of the spread of Buddhism and because they are unique remnants of Baekje culture, religion and art.
Gyeongju Historic Areas
Gyeongju Historic Areas is a diverse concentration of heritage sites that have been protected as a single UNESCO World Heritage listing since 2000. These areas are divided into five 'belts' - the Mount Namsan Belt, the Wolseong Belt, the Tumuli Park Belt, the Hwangnyongsa Belt and the Sanseong Fortress Belt. The Hwangnyongsa Belt consists of Bunhwansa Temple and the Hwangnyongsa Temple remains. The Mount Namsan Belt has many sites, including temple ruins, pagodas and tombs. The Sanseong Fortress Belt has defensive remains, whilst the Tumuli Park Belt has numerous royal tombs, including that of King Michu in the Daereungwon Tomb Complex. Finally, the Wolseong Belt consists of Cheomseongdae Observatory, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, woodland, and palace ruins. Gyeongju Historic Areas was inscribed by UNESCO based on two criteria - the significance of sites and monuments in the development of Buddhist and secular architecture and as evidence of the cultural achievements of the Silla (Gyeongju was the capital during the Silla and Unified Silla periods). There is a huge range of sites in Gyeongju, as well as the very large and impressive Gyeongju National Museum.
Hahoe Village
Hahoe Village in Andong forms half of the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing for the Historic Villages of Korea. It sits right next to the Nakdong River in a very beautiful and peaceful setting. Hahoe is a typical clan village that comprises of various types of building. There are living quarters for head families and other clan members, as well as other structures like study halls and Confucian academies, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing for Andong includes the Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy, which is close by. Hahoe was established during the 14-15th centuries and was expanded during the 18th-19th centuries, and people still live in the village today. As well as Hahoe being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, some of its structures are also protected as treasure, important folklore cultural heritage or important folklore material due to their importance in studying aspects of Joseon Dynasty culture. The Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong were UNESCO listed in 2010 due to them being well preserved representative examples of clan settlements and because they reflect the impact on the Joseon Dynasty in the development of Korea. You can also find the Hahoe World Mask Museum near to the entrance of the site.
