발해유적 유네스코 세계문화유산 등재 전망과 대응 방안

Abstract

This study first outlines the current status of cities in China with Goguryeo relics, then examines the prospect for Balhae archaeological sites to be inscribed on UNESCO’ s World Heritage List, and concludes by analyzing Korea’s potential responses to China’ s nomination of these relics. Key findings include China’s intensified efforts since 2010 to inscribe the heritage of ethnic minorities in its border regions on both the World Heritage Tentative and World Heritage Lists. These efforts reflect China’s strategy to integrate ancient East Asian ethnic states into its national history, framed within its modern territorial boundaries. China’s recent move to register Balhae relics on the Tentative List aligns with this approach. The inscription of Balhae archaeological sites on the World Heritage List is not expected to face significant obstacles, given their historical value and current state of preservation. Key sites, such as the Shangyeong and Seogo fortresses, along with royal tombs, are likely to be included in the nomination. Although China has announced its intention to add these relics to the Tentative List, the formal nomination to the World Heritage List may be delayed due to China’s extensive Tentative List of pending heritage sites and potential opposition from South Korea. China’s attempt to nominate Balhae relics as World Heritage involve political and diplomatic considerations, necessitating a proactive response from the South Korean government. Korea could also strengthen domestic expertise in Balhae studies and take the initiative in joint research on shared East Asian cultural heritage through UNESCO’s trust funds. China has successfully inscribed Goguryeo relics on the World Heritage List in 2004 and registered the Chinese side of Mount Baekdu on the World Heritage Tentative List in 2017. China has now announced its intention to register Balhae relics on the Tentative List. These efforts appear to be in line with China’s broader goals of social integration of all ethnic groups in China and historical reinterpretation of the past. While China’s efforts to preserve Balhae relics are commendable, caution is needed to prevent the use of cultural heritage for political purposes. Rather than asserting exclusive claims over the history of ancient East Asian states with fluid borders, a collaborative approach among relevant countries to recognizing and preserving shared East Asian history is necessary.