Quick answer: On 25 July 2026 the World Heritage Committee, meeting in Busan, extended Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats to add flats at Seosan, Yeosu, Goheung and Muan to the four zones listed in 2021. Explera DMC Korea builds west and south coast group days around the flats, timed to the tide.
What UNESCO decided
- The decision. Taken on 25 July 2026 at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, held at BEXCO in Busan.
- The 2021 zones. Gochang, Boseong-Suncheon and Sinan in the Jeolla provinces, and Seocheon in South Chungcheong.
- The additions. Yeosu, Goheung and Muan in South Jeolla, and Seosan in South Chungcheong.
- Why it matters. The listing is for natural value: the flats are habitat for birds and marine life along Korea's west and south coasts.
What groups can see
- The flats at low tide. The landscape only shows when the water is out, so the programme follows the tide table.
- Birdlife. Migratory birds use the coast in spring and autumn; groups with birding interest plan around those seasons.
- Boardwalks first. Where a zone has a visitor centre or a boardwalk, we use it to keep the group off the mud.
- Yeosu this autumn. Yeosu, one of the new zones, also hosts the World Islands Expo until 4 November 2026.
How we plan it
We pair a tidal flat visit with a coastal town, a seafood lunch or a temple, and set the timing by the tide rather than the clock.
Groups never walk out onto the open mud without a local programme and guide. Tides come in fast.
Planned with the agent
Explera DMC Korea plans coastal programmes with coaches, local guides, meals and hotels.
Send your dates, pax and group profile to b2b@explera.kr or WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090. Explera DMC Korea is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and an ASTA member (#900408341); our KTO and KATA registrations are in application.
Where this fits in our Korea programmes
The pages below carry the operational detail behind this briefing.
- Services: Tours & activities in Korea · Guide services in Korea · Group travel & GIT in Korea
- Destinations: Busan · Seoul · Jeju
Frequently asked questions
What is Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats?
A UNESCO World Heritage site made up of tidal flats on Korea's west and south coasts. It was first listed in 2021 and extended in July 2026.
Which tidal flats were added in 2026?
Yeosu, Goheung and Muan in South Jeolla Province, and Seosan in South Chungcheong Province. The 2021 zones are Gochang, Boseong-Suncheon, Sinan and Seocheon.
When is the best time for a group to visit?
At low tide, which changes daily, so Explera DMC Korea sets the programme by the tide table. Spring and autumn add migratory birds.
Can groups walk on the tidal flats?
Only on boardwalks or in a guided local programme. Tides come in fast, and we never send a group onto open mud unguided.
