Korea's Tidal Flats: UNESCO Coast Day for Groups

The short answer

On 25 July 2026 UNESCO's World Heritage Committee, meeting in Busan, added tidal flats at Seosan, Yeosu, Goheung and Muan to Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats. For agents with Korea groups, Explera DMC can add one tide-timed coast day to a west or south coast programme.

Korea's tidal flats became a larger World Heritage site this summer, and four new coastal areas now carry the listing. Our Korea team sets out the decision in its briefing on the Getbol tidal flats extension. This note is for agents across Asia deciding whether the flats belong in a Korea group programme.

What Changed at UNESCO?

The decision. Taken on 25 July 2026 at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Busan.
The new areas. Seosan in South Chungcheong, and Yeosu, Goheung and Muan in South Jeolla.
The 2021 areas. Gochang, Boseong-Suncheon, Sinan and Seocheon, listed when the site was first inscribed.
What is protected. The flats are listed for their natural value, as habitat for birds and marine life.

A planning desk with two laptops and a printed schedule: a tidal flat visit is planned around the tide table for the travel date.

Which Groups Does It Suit?

Repeat Korea clients. A coast day gives them something new after Seoul, Busan and Jeju.
Nature and study groups. The listing is about ecology, so it suits school, university and special-interest groups.
Birding groups. Migratory birds use the coast in spring and autumn.
Groups already in the south. Yeosu is one of the new areas and also hosts the World Islands Expo until 4 November 2026.

How Does a Coast Day Work?

The tide sets the time. The flats only show at low tide, which changes every day, so we plan the day from the tide table, not the clock.
Boardwalks and local programmes. We use visitor centres and boardwalks where an area has them. Groups never walk onto open mud without a local guide, because the tide comes in fast.
A stay nearby. One night on the coast lets the group be there when the water is out.
Pairing. We combine the flats with a coastal town, a seafood lunch or a temple.

A hotel twin room with two beds and a desk by the window: one night on the coast lets a group reach the flats at low tide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which tidal flats were added to the UNESCO listing in 2026?

Seosan in South Chungcheong Province, and Yeosu, Goheung and Muan in South Jeolla Province. They join the four areas listed in 2021.

When was the extension approved?

On 25 July 2026, at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan.

When should a group visit the flats?

At low tide on the day of travel. Spring and autumn add migratory birds. Our Korea team plans the programme from the tide table.

Can a group walk out on the mud?

Only on boardwalks or in a guided local programme. We never send a group onto open mud on its own.

Sources: The Korea Times, 25 July 2026; The Korea Herald.

Where Explera Fits

Our Korea team plans coastal programmes with coaches, local guides, meals and hotels, timed to the tide.

Write to b2b@explera.kr or message +66 93 656 8090 on WhatsApp. Explera DMC is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and an ASTA member (900408341); our KTO and KATA registrations are in application.