Gaya, Which Contributed to the Formation of the Ancient East Asian Cultural Sphere

Gaya contributed to the formation of the ancient East Asian cultural sphere. It was a pillar of ancient Korean civilization from the first to the sixth centuries. It was centered around the current Gyeongsangnam-do region, including Goyreong-gun in Gyeongsangbuk-do, and the eastern region of Honam.  Parts of Busan Metropolitan City belonged to Gaya up until the mid-fifth century.

Gaya, located in the southern part of Korea was a bridge of civilization connecting the continent with the ocean. Through a systematic trade network that connected the sea, river, and land, Gaya reached out to the East Asian world and contributed to the development of East Asian civilization. 

Gaya Tumuli Sites, which are currently pursuing  UNESCO World Heritage status, are unique evidence of civilization and important heritage showing one type of ancient East Asian civilization.

Gaya Tumuli Sites Currently Pursuing UNESCO World Heritage Status

Gaya contributed to the formation of ancient East Asian cultural sphere through advanced ironware culture, pottery production technology, and extensive trade, but the value of Gaya culture is unfortunately, largely unknown to the world. Therefore, since 2012, NEAR member regions: Gyeongsangnam-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Jeollanam-do Province, have been making various efforts to promote the value of Gaya culture and protect the heritage by pursuing UNESCO World Heritage status for seven Gaya Tumuli sites representing Gaya.

▲ Daeseong-dong Tumuli (Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do)

▲ Marisan Tumuli (Haman, Gyeongsangnam-do)

▲ Okjeon Tumuli (Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do)

▲ Songhak-dong Tumuli  (Goseong, Gyeongsangnam-do)

▲ Gyo-dong and Songhyeon-dong Tumuli (Changnyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do)

▲ Jisan-dong Tumuli (Goryeong, Gyeongsangbuk-do) 

▲ Yugok-ri and Durak-ri Tumuli (Namwon, Jeollabuk-do)

Gaya Tumuli Sites made it to the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list in December 2013 and were selected as the final candidates for World Heritage status in September 2020. In January 2021, the “Gaya Tumuli Sites for World Heritage Application” was submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Center. From September to October 2021, the UNESCO advisory body (ICOMOS) conducted an on-site inspection of Gaya Tumuli Sites, and requested supplementary materials, which were all submitted in February 2022.

The decision on whether to grant Gaya Tumuli Sites with the World Heritage status will be made at the 45^th World Heritage Committee, which will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between September 10 and 25, 2023. We request the attention and support of NEAR members so as to achieve a positive outcome.