Church and government officials have begun exploring whether faith heritage sites might qualify for registration with UNESCO.

A joint forum was held yesterday at the provincial government office in Jeonju, where Bishop Vincent Ri Pyung-ho of the local diocese in his keynote address said that Catholic heritage sites in Jeollabuk-do province deserved consideration as being of universal value to humanity, not just to people of faith.

In particular, he mentioned Jeongong cathedral. “The architecture is valuable, but it is more than that because it witnessed the martyrdom of many, including the first Korean martyr Paul yun Ji-chung.

He added that if faith heritage sites were designated as UNESCO cultural heritage sites, they would attract more pilgrims and tourists.

Stephen Kim Jung-shin, a professor of architecture at Dankook university, told the forum that to be designated, candidate sites must be proven to be of universal cultural value.

“[These sites] must have the elements that can move non-Catholics too,” he said, adding that “close attention and prudent preparation” would be necessary.

Sakae Nobukoshi, a professor at Nagasaki university, told the forum that efforts have been made in Japan to register Catholic heritage sites with UNESCO.

He said the process requires close cooperation among government, the Church and local residents.

Archbishop Osvaldo Padilla, papal nuncio to Korea, attended the forum in what was his first official visit to Jeungong diocese.

During his introductory address, he said the province has been “the sacred place and the hometown of martyrs,” adding that it would be an honor for the Catholic Church if faith sites were granted world heritage status.

Provincial Governor Kim Wan-joo acknowledged that the Church’s heritage sites in the province possess wonderful “stories” attached to them.

Related reports:

Nagasaki churches included in provisional list for world heritage sites
Churches among monuments to be proposed as UNESCO world heritage sites