G-DRAGON named ambassador as UNESCO World Heritage Committee comes to Busan

The Korea Heritage Service has appointed G-DRAGON as a promotional ambassador for the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee, according to local reporting. The meeting will take place at BEXCO in Busan from July 19 to 29, 2026, marking the first time Korea has hosted the World Heritage Committee.

For international readers, the news matters for two reasons. First, the World Heritage Committee is one of UNESCO's key decision-making bodies for cultural and natural heritage: it reviews new World Heritage nominations and checks the conservation status of already-listed sites. Second, the Busan meeting is expected to connect an expert-led international conference with public-facing programs that visitors can experience in the city.

This year's agenda is expected to include the proposed second-phase expansion of Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats. The existing World Heritage listing covers tidal flats in Seocheon, Gochang, Shinan, Boseong, and Suncheon. The expansion proposal would add areas including Yeosu, Goheung, Muan, and Seosan.

Public programs are also planned around the meeting. A Korea Pavilion is scheduled to open free of charge at BEXCO's Exhibition Center 1 from July 20, introducing Korea's World Heritage, intangible heritage, and Memory of the World items. A special performance is planned at BEXCO Auditorium on July 26, featuring elements of Korea's UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage such as Jongmyo Jeryeak, pansori, tightrope walking, and nongak.

G-DRAGON is expected to participate in the Heritage in Peace campaign, a citizen-participation effort connected to protecting World Heritage sites threatened by war, climate pressure, and natural disasters. For travelers and residents in Busan during the meeting period, the practical next step is to check the official committee website for program details, security notices, registration rules, and venue access before visiting.