Historic sites of S. Korea's ancient kingdom named UNESCO's world heritage

BONN, July 4 (Yonhap) -- Eight historic sites of South Korea's ancient Kingdom of Baekje were registered as UNESCO world cultural heritage sites on Saturday.

The decision came at the ongoing meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Bonn, Germany.

"It will mark a valuable chance to promote the history and culture of our ancient kingdom, Baekje," a South Korean delegate to the meeting said shortly after the committee's decision to add the sites to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list.

"It is also expected to help develop the country's tourism industry while also helping globalize our cultural assets and improve our country's national image," the delegate added.

The newly registered sites include Gongsan-Seong Fortress of the Baekje Dynasty (18 B.C.-660 A.D.), located in what is now the city of Gongju, 160 kilometers south of Seoul.

The seven other sites also include ancient tombs and ancient ruins scattered throughout the central region of South Korea.
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