SPECIAL ACT ON CONSERVATION, MANAGEMENT AND UTILIZATION OF WORLD HERITAGE
Act No. 16932, Feb. 4, 2020
Amended by Act No. 17587, Dec. 8, 2020
Act No. 19594, Aug. 8, 2023
Act No. 19798, Oct. 31, 2023
Act No. 20309, Feb. 13, 2024
The purpose of this Act is to enhance the cultural pride of the people by providing for matters necessary to conserve, manage and utilize World Heritage in relation to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, and contribute to the promotion of international cooperation to conserve the common assets of humankind.
| Article 2 (Fundamental Concepts) |
| (1) | The underlying principle for the conservation, management and utilization of World Heritage is that the outstanding universal value of the World Heritage, including the conditions of integrity and authenticity at the time of its inscription, shall be maintained or improved. |
| (2) | The conservation, management and utilization of World Heritage shall be implemented in a manner to raise public awareness of and involvement in World Heritage and enhance the role of local communities concerned. |
The terms used in this Act are defined as follows: <Amended on Oct. 31, 2023>
| 1. | The term "World Heritage" means any heritage inscribed on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (hereinafter referred to as "UNESCO"), in accordance with Articles 1, 2 and 11 (2) of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (hereinafter referred to as the "World Heritage Convention"); |
| 2. | The term "Tentative List" means an inventory of properties considered suitable for nomination to the World Heritage List, which is submitted to UNESCO and registered therein in accordance with Article 11 (1) of the World Heritage Convention; |
| 3. | "Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA)" means an investigation, prediction, and evaluation of impacts that the implementation of a project may have on the outstanding universal value of the World Heritage, in order to prepare measures to avoid, eliminate, or reduce adverse effects on the World Heritage. |
| Article 4 (Responsibilities of the State and Local Governments) |
| (1) | The State shall establish and implement comprehensive policy measures for the conservation, management and utilization of World Heritage. |
| (2) | Local governments shall establish and implement policy measures for the conservation, management and utilization of World Heritage, in consideration of the State’s policy measures and regional characteristics. |
| (3) | The State and local governments shall ensure that residents, interested parties, relevant experts, etc. can actively participate in the establishment and implementation of policies on the conservation, management and utilization of World Heritage. |
| (4) | The people shall actively cooperate with the policy measures of the State and local governments for the conservation, management and utilization of World Heritage. |
| Article 5 (Relationship to Other Statutes) |
| Article 6 (Consultation on Major Policy Measures) |
| (1) | The heads of the relevant central administrative agencies, and the Special Metropolitan City Mayor, Metropolitan City Mayor, Special Self-Governing City Mayor, Do Governor, or Special Self-Governing Province Governor, (hereinafter referred to as the "Mayor/Do Governor") shall consult with the Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service in advance to develop major policy measures or plans in direct relation to the inscription, conservation, management, utilization and support of World Heritage: provided, this shall not apply where consultation with the Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service is held in accordance with other statutes. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (2) | The kinds of major policy measures or plans subject to consultation under paragraph (1), consultation procedures, and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 7 (Promotion of International Cooperation and Support) |
| (1) | The State shall endeavor to promote cooperative relationships with international organizations and international specialized organizations pertaining to World Heritage, and other countries. |
| (2) | The State shall support efforts of the international community to conserve World Heritage, which include providing financial assistance to developing countries for the systematic conservation, management and utilization of World Heritage. |
| Article 8 (Promotion of Inter-Korean Cooperation) |
| (1) | The Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service shall develop an institutional framework for promoting mutual exchange and cooperation between the two Koreas regarding inscription on the World Heritage List and the conservation, management and utilization of the inscribed World Heritage. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (2) | The Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service may request cooperation from relevant domestic and foreign organizations to support inscription of North Korea's properties on the World Heritage List and its conservation, management and utilization of the inscribed World Heritage, and may provide funds to defray all or part of the expenses incurred therein. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| Article 9 (Inscription on the World Heritage List) |
| (1) | The Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service may submit nominations of national cultural and natural properties for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in accordance with the World Heritage Convention. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (2) | The State and local governments shall endeavor to ensure that the nominated properties are to be inscribed on the World Heritage List, which includes conserving and managing Tentative List properties and providing support for academic research. |
| Article 10 (Designation of World Heritage Districts) |
| (1) | The Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service may designate areas necessary for the conservation, management and utilization of World Heritage property inscribed in accordance with Article 9, as a World Heritage District. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (2) | A World Heritage District under paragraph (1) shall be designated according to the following categories: |
| 1. | World Heritage Property Area: An area inscribed on the World Heritage List deemed of its outstanding universal value, integrity and authenticity; |
| 2. | Buffer Zone of World Heritage property: An area surrounding the nominated property provided in the World Heritage nomination for effective protection of the property. |
| (3) | The Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service may, if necessary for the conservation of World Heritage, change the World Heritage Districts designated under paragraph (1) in accordance with the procedures prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (4) | If any World Heritage is deleted from the World Heritage List, the Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service shall revoke the designation of the relevant World Heritage District, without delay. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (5) | In order to designate or change a World Heritage District under paragraphs (1) through (3), the Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service shall undergo deliberation thereon by the Cultural Heritage Committee established under Article 8 of the Act on the Conservation and Utilization of Cultural Heritage (hereinafter referred to as the "Cultural Heritage Committee"), following consultations with the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies, the relevant Mayor/Do Governor, or the head of the relevant Si/Gun/Gu (the head of a Gu refers to the head of an autonomous Gu; hereinafter the same shall apply). In such cases, the head of an agency in receipt of such request for consultation shall present its opinion within 30 days from the date on which such request is received. <Amended on Aug. 8, 2023; Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (6) | When the Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service has designated, changed or revoked the designation of a World Heritage District in accordance with paragraphs (1) through (4), he or she shall give public notice thereon as prescribed by Presidential Decree, and send copies of the relevant documents to the relevant Mayor/Do Governor or the head of the relevant Si/Gun/Gu. In such cases, public notice of a topographic map, etc., shall conform to Article 8 of the Framework Act on the Regulation of Land Use; and the Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall make copies of the relevant documents available to the public without delay, and reflect the relevant content in an urban or Gun master plan and an urban or Gun management plan under the National Land Planning and Utilization Act. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| Article 11 (Protection of World Heritage Districts) |
| (1) | An area designated as, or changed to, a World Heritage District by the Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service pursuant to Article 10 shall be deemed designated as follows: provided, this shall not apply to the cases where the relevant area is designated as a designated cultural heritage, natural monument and others, protective facilities or protection zones, or historic and cultural environment conservation area specified in the following subparagraphs before being designated as or changed to a World Heritage District: <Amended on Aug. 8, 2023, Oct. 31, 2023; Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (2) | Notwithstanding paragraph (1), if any heritage governed by a statute other than the Act on the Conservation and Utilization of Cultural Heritage and the Act on Preservation and Utilization of Natural Heritage is inscribed on the World Heritage List, the provisions of such statute shall apply. <Amended on Aug. 8, 2023> |
| Article 11-2 (Implementation of Heritage Impact Assessment) |
| (1) | Any person (including the State and a local government; hereinafter referred to as "business entity") who intends to carry out any of the following projects (hereinafter referred to as "target projects") in a World Heritage District shall conduct a Heritage Impact Assessment: |
| 1. | Projects of installing or expanding the buildings or facilities that may have adverse impacts on the outstanding universal value of the World Heritage; |
| 2. | Other projects that have impacts on the outstanding universal value of the World Heritage, which are prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| (2) | Notwithstanding paragraph (1), if it is deemed that a target project conducted outside the World Heritage District will surely have significant impacts on the outstanding universal value of the World Heritage in the light of the characteristics of the World Heritage, conditions of its location, etc. the Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service shall request the business entity to conduct a Heritage Impact Assessment. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (3) | The specific scope of the target projects under paragraphs (1) and (2), detailed criteria such as evaluation items, methods, and procedures of the Heritage Impact Assessment, and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Added on Oct. 31, 2023]
| Article 11-3 (Submission of Heritage Impact Assessment Reports) |
| (1) | The business entity shall request an institution or corporation with expertise in the field of World Heritage (hereinafter referred to as "Heritage Impact Assessment Agency") to conduct a Heritage Impact Assessment. |
| (2) | A business entity shall submit a document summarizing the results of the Heritage Impact Assessment conducted by the Heritage Impact Assessment Agency pursuant to paragraph (1) (hereinafter referred to as the "Heritage Impact Assessment Report") to the Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (3) | The Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service may designate an institution or a corporation fulfilling the requirements specified by Presidential Decree, such as professional human resources necessary for the Heritage Impact Assessment, as the Heritage Impact Assessment Agency. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (4) | Matters necessary for the method, timing, and procedure for submitting the Heritage Impact Assessment Reports under paragraph (2) and the designation of a Heritage Impact Assessment Agency under paragraph (3) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Added on Oct. 31, 2023]
| Article 11-4 (Review of Heritage Impact Assessment Reports) |
| (1) | When reviewing a Heritage Impact Assessment Report, the Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service must consult with the Cultural Heritage Committee. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (2) | If the Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service has grounds prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as the need to supplement or adjust the Heritage Impact Assessment Report or the target project plans, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "target project plans, etc.") as a result of reviewing the Heritage Impact Assessment Report pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she may request the business entity to supplement or make adjustments. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
[This Article Added on Oct. 31, 2023]
| Article 11-5 (Reflection and Confirmation of Supplementary Matters) |
| (1) | When a business entity is requested supplementation or adjustment pursuant to Article 11-4 (2), he or she shall take necessary measures to reflect the details of supplementation or adjustment in the target business plans, etc. |
| (2) | The Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service shall confirm whether the supplementary or adjustment matters referred to in paragraph (1) are reflected in the target project plans, etc. in accordance with the procedures prescribed by Presidential Decree. In such cases, if supplementary or adjustment matters are not reflected in the target business plans, etc., the Administrator shall make them reflected. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
[This Article Added on Oct. 31, 2023]
| Article 11-6 (Implementation, Management and Supervision of Evaluation Results) |
| (1) | The business entity shall implement the details reflected in the target project plans, etc. when implementing the target project. |
| (2) | When the Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service analyzes and evaluates the results of regular inspections submitted by the Mayor/Do Governor pursuant to Article 16, the Administrator shall confirm whether the business entity has implemented the details reflected in the target project plans, etc., and if the business entity has not implemented the details, the Administrator shall order the business entity to take measures necessary for implementing the details. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (3) | If the Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service deems that the relevant project has a significant impact on the conservation of the World Heritage because the business entity fails to comply with an order to take measures under paragraph (2), the Administrator may order the business entity to suspend the project or take measures to restore the original state. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (4) | If the business entity upon receipt of an order to suspend the project or take measures to restore the original state pursuant to paragraph (3) fails to comply with the order, the Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service may vicariously execute the order as prescribed by the Administrative Vicarious Execution Act and collect the costs from the violator of the order. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
[This Article Added on Oct. 31, 2023]
| Article 11-7 (Legal Fiction of Permission) |
[This Article Added on Oct. 31, 2023]
| Article 11-8 (Designation and Operation of Heritage Impact Assessment Support Center) |
| (1) | The Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service may designate an institution or a corporation recognized as capable of providing education and support related to Heritage Impact Assessment as the Heritage Impact Assessment Support Center (hereinafter referred to as the "Support Center"), in order to support the business entities or the Heritage Impact Assessment Agency in carrying out Heritage Impact Assessment. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (2) | The support center shall carry out the following projects: <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| 1. | To identify, survey, and research international trends related to Heritage Impact Assessment; |
| 2. | To conduct training of professional human resources related to Heritage Impact Assessment; |
| 3. | To assist with pre-consulting, post-assessment, and monitoring for Heritage Impact Assessment; |
| 4. | Other projects deemed necessary by the Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service to facilitate the operation of the Heritage Impact Assessment. |
| (3) | Where the Support Center designated pursuant to paragraph (1) falls under any of the following subparagraphs, the Administrator of the National Heritage Administration may revoke the designation or order the suspension of its business for up to six months, as prescribed by Presidential Decree: provided, in cases falling under subparagraph 1, the designation shall be revoked: <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| 1. | Where the Support Center has obtained the designation by fraud or other improper means; |
| 2. | Where the Support Center fails to satisfy the requirements for designation; |
| 3. | Where it is deemed that the Support Center notably lacks the ability to perform its duties. |
| (4) | The State may subsidize the Support Center to cover all or part of its expenses incurred in carrying out the projects within budgetary limits. |
| (5) | Other matters necessary for the requirements for designation, operation, etc. of the Support Center shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Added on Oct. 31, 2023]
| Article 12 (Formulation of Comprehensive Plan) |
| (1) | The Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service shall, every five years, formulate the comprehensive plan for the conservation, management and utilization of World Heritage (hereinafter referred to as the "comprehensive plan"). <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (2) | The comprehensive plan shall include the following information: |
| 1. | Basic directions and objectives for the conservation, management and utilization of World Heritage; |
| 2. | Designation, change, or revocation of designation of World Heritage Districts under Article 10; |
| 3. | Promotion of international cooperation and inter-Korean exchange and cooperation relating to World Heritage; |
| 4. | Funding sources for the conservation, management and utilization of World Heritage; |
| 5. | Digitization of records on World Heritage; |
| 6. | Other matters necessary for the conservation, management and utilization of World Heritage. |
| (3) | The Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service shall consult with the relevant central administrative agencies and the relevant Mayor/Do Governor to formulate or amend the comprehensive plan. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (4) | When the Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service has formulated or amended the comprehensive plan, he or she shall notify the relevant central administrative agencies and the relevant Mayor/Do Governor of such formulation or amendment, and publish the notice thereof in the Official Gazette. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (5) | Other matters necessary for the formulation of the comprehensive plan shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 13 (Formulation and Implementation of Implementation Plan for Each Word Heritage Property) |
| (1) | The Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service or the relevant Mayor/Do Governor shall, every five years, formulate an implementation plan (hereinafter referred to as "implementation plan") for each World Heritage property that reflects the contents of the comprehensive plan and nominations for the World Heritage property located in his or her jurisdiction. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (2) | When the Mayor/Do Governor has formulated or reviewed an implementation plan, he or she shall obtain the approval of the Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service and publish such plan. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (3) | In order to grant the approval for an implementation plan under paragraph (2), the Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service shall undergo deliberation thereon by the Cultural Heritage Committee after consulting with the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies. In such cases, the head of an agency in receipt of such request for consultation shall present its opinion within 30 days from the date on which such request is received. <Amended on Aug. 8, 2023; Feb. 13, 2024 > |
| (4) | In the event that any World Heritage comprises a contiguous area in two or more Special Metropolitan City, Metropolitan Cities, Special Self-Governing Cities, Dos, and Special Self-Governing Provinces (hereinafter referred to as "Cities/Dos"), the relevant Mayors/Do Governors shall jointly formulate the implementation plan or determine the person to establish such plan through mutual consultation. If no agreement is reached by such consultation, the Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service shall designate a person to formulate the implementation plan. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (5) | An implementation plan shall be formulated within two years from the date on which the relevant property is inscribed on the World Heritage List. |
| (6) | An implementation plan shall include the following information: |
| 1. | Basic directions and objectives for the conservation, management and utilization of the relevant World Heritage; |
| 2. | Projects to be undertaken for the conservation and management of the relevant World Heritage; |
| 3. | Plans for resident participation in the World Heritage District designated under Article 10; |
| 4. | Measures for tourist promotion for the World Heritage District designated under Article 10; |
| 5. | Improvement of the quality of life for residents by supporting community activities in the World Heritage District designated under Article 10; |
| 6. | Promotion of education and public relations relating to the relevant World Heritage; |
| 7. | Enhancement of cooperation among institutions and organizations relating to the relevant World Heritage; |
| 8. | Funding sources for the conservation, management and utilization of the relevant World Heritage; |
| 9. | Other matters for the conservation, management and utilization of the relevant World Heritage, and support for residents. |
| (7) | Other matters necessary to formulate and implement an implementation plan shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 14 (Establishment and Implementation of Annual Project Plan) |
| (1) | The Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service or the relevant Mayor/Do Governor shall establish and implement an annual project plan (hereinafter referred to as "project plan") for the purpose of efficiently promoting the projects for conservation, management and utilization of World Heritage as described in an implementation plan (hereinafter referred to as "conservation, management and utilization projects"). <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (2) | When the Mayor/Do Governor has established a project plan or completed its implementation, he or she shall submit the results thereof to the Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (3) | Upon formulating an implementation plan, the Administrator of the National Heritage Administration and a Mayor/Do Governor shall publicly announce it. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (4) | Other matters necessary for the establishment and implementation of project plans shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 15 (Basic Investigations of World Heritage) |
| (1) | The Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service or the relevant Mayor/Do Governor may conduct a basic investigation of the following matters: <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| 1. | Appropriateness of the Tentative List and the inscription of properties on the World Heritage List; |
| 2. | Designation or change of World Heritage Districts under Article 10; |
| 3. | Formulation of and adjustments to comprehensive plans and implementation plans. |
| (2) | The details and method of investigations under paragraph (1) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 16 (Regular Inspections) |
| (1) | The relevant Mayor/Do Governor shall conduct regular inspections of the status of conservation, management and utilization of World Heritage on a yearly basis. In such cases, the Mayor/Do Governor shall submit the results of the regular inspections to the Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (2) | The Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service or the relevant Mayor/Do Governor shall analyze and assess the results of the inspections under paragraph (1), and reflect the results in the policies for conservation, management and utilization of World Heritage. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (3) | The inspections under paragraph (1) shall include matters related to the fulfillment of the obligation of periodic reporting stipulated by the World Heritage Convention, and matters necessary for the method and procedure, etc. for such inspections shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 17 (Establishment and Operation of World Heritage Information System) |
| (1) | The Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service shall create a database comprising data on inscriptions and inspections obtained under Articles 9 through 16, and establish and operate a world heritage information system with such database. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (2) | The Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service may request the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies and local governments, and the heads of relevant corporations and organizations such as museums and research institutes, to submit necessary data in order to establish the information system on the World Heritage under paragraph (1). In such cases, a person upon receipt of such request shall comply therewith unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| Article 18 (Creation and Operation of World Heritage Conservation Consultative Council) |
| (1) | The Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service or the relevant Mayor/Do Governor may create and operate a world heritage conservation consultative council (hereinafter referred to as "consultative council") for each World Heritage property to hold consultations on the following matters: <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| 1. | Matters on the formulation and review of implementation plans; |
| 2. | Matters on the establishment and implementation of project plans for the conservation, management and utilization projects; |
| 3. | Matters on the designation, change, or revocation of designation of World Heritage Districts under Article 10; |
| 4. | Other matters prescribed by Presidential Decree as necessary for the conservation, management and utilization of World Heritage. |
| (2) | A consultative council shall consist of 10 or less members including one chairperson, who are commissioned or appointed from among the following persons: |
| 1. | A representative of residents of the municipality concerned; |
| 2. | A person engaged in the field of architecture, urban planning, tourism, or environment, who is an expert with much knowledge and experience in World Heritage; |
| 3. | A public official of the relevant central administrative agency or local government. |
| (3) | The head of a Si/Gun/Gu may, at his or her own discretion, create and operate a regional council of the consultative council for the relevant World Heritage. |
| (4) | Other matters necessary for the creation and operation of a Consultative Council shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 18-2 (Establishment of International Center for the Interpretation and Presentation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites) |
| (1) | There shall be established an International Center for the Interpretation and Presentation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (hereinafter referred to as the "UNESCO World Heritage International Center") for the purpose of promoting international cooperation in the field of World Heritage interpretation and enhancing public understanding of and access to World Heritage, based on the World Heritage Convention. |
| (2) | The UNESCO World Heritage International Center shall be a corporation. |
| (3) | The UNESCO World Heritage International Center shall undertake the following projects: |
| 1. | Research on comprehensive interpretation frameworks for interpretation and presentation of World Heritage, including principles, policies and guidelines; |
| 2. | Development and operation of capacity-building programs for interpretation and presentation of World Heritage; |
| 3. | Establishment of information systems and technical capabilities that serve as the basis for interpretation and presentation of World Heritage; |
| 4. | Promotion of international exchange and cooperation and establishment of networks; |
| 5. | Creation and dissemination of materials and other publications regarding interpretation and presentation of World Heritage; |
| 6. | Other projects necessary to achieve the purposes of establishing the UNESCO World Heritage International Center. |
| (4) | The UNESCO World Heritage International Center shall have executives and necessary employees as stipulated by its articles of incorporation. |
| (5) | Except as provided for in this Act, the provisions of the Civil Act concerning incorporated foundations shall apply mutatis mutandis to the UNESCO World Heritage International Center. |
| (6) | The State may subsidize expenses to be incurred in operating the UNESCO World Heritage International Center, within budgetary limits. |
| (7) | Notwithstanding the Public Property and Commodity Management Act, local governments may allow the UNESCO World Heritage International Center to use and benefit from public property without consideration, where deemed necessary for its performance of functions. |
| (8) | Notwithstanding the Act on Collection and Use of Donations, the UNESCO World Heritage International Center may accept voluntary donations to the extent compatible with the purposes of its projects, where deemed necessary for undertaking the projects described in the subparagraphs of paragraph (3). |
[This Article Added on Dec. 8, 2020]
| Article 19 (Seeking Opinions from Residents) |
| (1) | The Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service or the relevant Mayor/Do Governor shall seek opinions from the residents of the municipality concerned, relevant experts, etc. on the matters listed in the subparagraphs of Article 15 (1). <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (2) | Matters necessary for seeking opinions under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 20 (Management of World Heritage by the State) |
| (1) | In any of the following cases, the Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service may directly manage the relevant heritage following deliberation by the Cultural Heritage Committee, to ensure the systematic conservation and management of World Heritage: <Amended on Aug. 8, 2023; Feb. 13, 2024> |
| 1. | Where the relevant local government requests direct management by the State; |
| 2. | Where the World Heritage comprises a contiguous area in two or more Cities/Dos, and thus requires consistent management by the State; |
| 3. | Where maintenance of the World Heritage status is determined to be in danger, such as significant loss of value of the World Heritage property due to the negligence of the relevant local government. |
| (2) | Necessary matters for direct management under paragraph (1), such as methods and procedures, shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 21 (Cooperation from Relevant Agencies) |
The Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service may request cooperation from the heads of relevant central administrative agencies, the Mayor/Do Governor, or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu, if necessary to achieve the purposes of this Act. In such cases, any person in receipt of such request shall comply therewith except in extenuating circumstances. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024>
| Article 22 (Financial Support) |
The State may, within budgetary limits, fully or partially subsidize local governments or related organizations to cover expenses to be incurred in undertaking the following projects:
| 1. | Conservation, management and utilization projects; |
| 2. | Preparation and maintenance of records relating to World Heritage, and regular inspections thereof; |
| 3. | Operation of a consultative council; |
| 4. | Research and promotion activities relating to the inscription of the Tentative List properties on the World Heritage List; |
| 5. | Academic research, study, technology development, and domestic and international exchange activities relating to the inscription, conservation, management and utilization of World Heritage; |
| 6. | Other projects prescribed by Presidential Decree for the conservation, management and utilization of World Heritage at home and abroad. |
| Article 23 (Delegation and Entrustment of Authority) |
| (1) | The Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service may partially delegate his or her authority under this Act to the head of a relevant central administrative agency, the Mayor/Do Governor, or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Feb. 13, 2024> |
| (2) | The Mayor/Do Governor may partially delegate his or her authority under this Act to the head of the relevant Si/Gun/Gu, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| (3) | The Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service or the Mayor/Do Governor may partially entrust his or her authority under this Act to an institution, corporation, organization, etc. established for the purpose of protection, conservation, proliferation or utilization of national heritage, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Aug. 8, 2023; Feb. 13, 2024> |
| Article 24 (Penalty Provisions) |
| (1) | Any business entity who fails to comply with an order to suspend business or take measures for restoration of the original state, in violation of Article 11-6 (3), shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than five years or by a fine not exceeding 50 million won. |
| (2) | Any business entity that fails to conduct a Heritage Impact Assessment in violation of Article 11-2 (1) shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than two years or by a fine not exceeding 20 million won. |
[This Article Added on Oct. 31, 2023]
| Article 25 (Joint Penalty Provisions) |
If the representative of a corporation or an agent, an employee, or any other servant of the corporation or an individual commits an offense under Article 24 in connection with the business of the corporation or the individual, not only shall such offender be punished, but also the corporation or the individual shall be punished by a fine under the relevant provisions: provided, this shall not apply where such corporation or individual has not been negligent in giving due attention and supervision concerning the relevant business to prevent such offense. [This Article Added on Oct. 31, 2023]
ADDENDA <Act No. 16932, Feb. 4, 2020>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Transitional Measures concerning Formulation of Implementation Plan)
If any property is inscribed on the World Heritage List before this Act enters into force, the relevant implementation plan shall be formulated within two years from the date on which the comprehensive plan is publicly notified.
ADDENDA <Act No. 17587, Dec. 8, 2020>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on February 5, 2021.
Article 2 (Preparatory Activities for Establishment of the UNESCO World Heritage International Center)
| (1) | The Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service shall commission seven or less promoters to handle administrative affairs relating to the establishment of the UNESCO World Heritage International Center, within 30 days from the date of promulgation of this Act. |
| (2) | The promoters shall prepare the articles of incorporation of the UNESCO World Heritage Center and obtain authorization from the Commissioner of the Korea Heritage Service, and then register its incorporation without delay. |
| (3) | Upon completing registration for the incorporation of the UNESCO World Heritage Center, the promoters shall transfer the administrative affairs to the chief director of the UNESCO World Heritage International Center, without delay. |
| (4) | The promoters shall be deemed decommissioned upon completion of the transfer of the administrative affairs under paragraph (3). |
ADDENDUM <Act No. 19594, Aug. 8, 2023>
This Act shall enter into force on May 17, 2024.
ADDENDA <Act No. 19798, Oct. 31, 2023>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Transitional Measures concerning Implementation of Heritage Impact Assessment)
ADDENDA <Act No. 20309, Feb. 13, 2024>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on May 17, 2024: provided, the amended provisions promulgated before this Act enters into force but the enforcement date of which has yet to arrive, among the statutes amended under Article 4 of the Addenda, shall enter into force on the date of enforcement dates of respective statutes.