The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added 26 sites to its World Heritage list this year.

Among the cultural heritage sites are the 'Neuschwanstein Castle' in Bavaria, Germany, known for inspiring the Walt Disney logo, along with 21 cultural sites, 4 natural sites, and 1 mixed site.

In Korea, the prehistoric site 'Petroglyphs of Bangudae' located in Ulsan Metropolitan City is included, and in North Korea, Mount Kumgang has been listed.

The designation as a World Heritage site is a guarantee to attract tourists from around the world. It signifies that the heritage possesses outstanding universal value (OUV) recognized by the international community. Once listed, systematic preservation and management receive international support.

Experts noted that this nomination list shows a marked trend away from the focus solely on famous palaces and ancient ruins, toward discovering hidden gems in less-recognized regions and concentrating on the stories embedded within them.

Germany's Neuschwanstein Castle. /Courtesy of Yonhap News Agency

The site that received the most global attention from this nomination list is undoubtedly Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany.

This castle was built with a narrative in mind from the fortification stage. In the 19th century, King Ludwig II of Bavaria lived more in the worlds of art and myth than in reality. He was especially fascinated by the operas written by composer Richard Wagner. The castle was a stage for the medieval knight legends from his most beloved operas 'Lohengrin' and 'Tannhäuser'.

Ludwig II squandered enormous expenses on the castle's construction, emptying the royal treasury. His end was tragic. Eventually, he was declared insane, was deposed, and met a mysterious death. The castle he dedicated his life to building remained unfinished until his death.

The external appearance of the castle differs completely from the tragic life left by the mad king. Walt Disney was captivated by the story of this castle. After visiting it in the 1950s, he used it as the model for the castle in 'Sleeping Beauty.' Structures recreating this castle have been erected at the center of Disney theme parks worldwide. Even today, every film produced by The Walt Disney Company features Neuschwanstein Castle to signal its start.

UNESCO evaluated this castle as "an architectural masterpiece that perfectly embodies the romantic ideal and longing."

Experts analyzed this as a signal that "the evaluation reflects not only the historical value of the heritage but also its cultural influence on future generations."

On the 9th of July, 2025, cultural artifacts excavated from the Xixia Imperial Tombs are displayed at the Xixia Imperial Tombs Museum in Yinchuan City, Northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. /Courtesy of Yonhap News Agency

Newsweek reported that many sites from regions that have been relatively overlooked in discussions of world heritage have been listed this year.

Experts assessed that this reflects UNESCO's recent efforts to move away from Eurocentrism and achieve geographical and cultural balance.

A representative example is the 'Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor' that spans Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. This area is a key section of the Silk Road where ancient East-West civilizations interacted.

The cities, residential areas, and temple ruins where merchants called caravans rested are scattered across vast deserts and mountainous regions.

Newsweek quoted experts saying, "The focus, which had been concentrated on the ends of the Silk Road, such as China and Italy, has now shifted to the center of this path, Central Asia."

New heritage was also added from Africa. Bale Mountains National Park in Ethiopia is home to rare flora and fauna found only on the African continent. UNESCO stated that it is particularly the only habitat of the Ethiopian wolf, which is on the verge of extinction.

UNESCO noted, "We highly appreciate the unique biodiversity and natural scenery of this area," and said, "We will actively discover and protect the natural heritage of underdeveloped countries and cultural heritage threatened by war and conflict."

On the 12th of July, 2025, a tourist takes a photo next to the skulls of Khmer Rouge regime victims at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh. /Courtesy of Yonhap News Agency

Attention was also paid to ancient heritage that traces the roots of human history rather than just splendor.

The Carnac stones along the Brittany coast of France are the oldest among the newly added sites. This site consists of over 3,000 massive standing stones erected during the Neolithic period from around 5000 to 3500 B.C., spread over several kilometers.

Who, how, and why these stones were erected remains a mystery. Scholars hypothesize that they may have been a colossal calendar, a site for religious rituals, or a monument to display the power of a tribe.

In designating this site, UNESCO stated it is "unique evidence showing that early human settled societies were organized, and the astronomical knowledge and burial culture they possessed."

The Bangudae petroglyphs in Ulsan were officially recognized as a World Heritage site only after 15 years since being tentatively listed in 2010.

This shows UNESCO's resolve to recognize the value of places that demonstrate significant stages in human history and development, even if they are not well-known tourist attractions.

On the 12th, during the 47th UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting, it is decided to list the rock paintings known as the Bangudae Petroglyphs, which provide a glimpse into prehistoric life, as a World Heritage site. /Courtesy of News1

UNESCO World Heritage is an international commitment to protect humanity's common assets beyond borders. Under the 'Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage' adopted in 1972, heritage with universal value that must be preserved for all humanity is designated and protected.

Listing as a World Heritage site leads to practical economic effects beyond mere honor. The designation as a UNESCO 'quality assurance mark' serves as a powerful tourism marketing tool in itself. As international recognition soars, tourists flood in, which leads to regional economic revitalization and job creation.

According to CNBC, Baden-Württemberg National Park, once the most underdeveloped region in Germany, became a tourist attraction drawing 10 million visitors annually after being designated a World Natural Heritage site. The tourism revenue generated in this area is estimated to be up to 7.5 trillion won annually. Korea also saw a surge in visitors since the designation of Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes in 2007.

The revenue generated is reinvested in the preservation and restoration projects of the heritage, creating a virtuous cycle. If repairs or restoration work is needed, it also qualifies for international financial support, such as from the World Heritage Fund.

On the 13th, during the 47th meeting held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, it is confirmed that Mount Kumgang, applied by North Korea, is designated as a World Heritage site. /Courtesy of Yonhap News Agency

However, that glory comes with responsibility and challenges. An influx of tourists can damage the heritage, creating a paradoxical situation where local residents' livelihoods are threatened. Many World Heritage sites, such as Venice in Italy and Machu Picchu in Peru, suffer from overtourism.

UNESCO is also taking this issue seriously. Every six years after listing, preservation conditions are inspected and reported. If serious issues are found, a site can be designated as a 'World Heritage site in danger'. If the situation does not improve, it can ultimately be removed from the World Heritage list.

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