A South Korean region containing historic sites dating back to the Baekje dynasty era is expected to be added to UNESCO's world cultural heritage list. 
 
Seoul's Cultural Heritage Administration said Monday that the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) submitted a report to the UN body recommending the so-called Baekje historic sites be added to the heritage list. 
 
The historic sites, located in the country's southwest, consist of eight sites containing Baekje era remains that showcase the 7th century kingdom's history, religion and architecture. 
 
The relics were also recognized as holding world cultural heritage value as they testify to the cultural exchanges among ancient kingdoms in Korea, China and Japan as well as the spread of Buddhism.
 
Recommendations by the advisory council have been mostly accepted by UNESCO with few exceptions. Listing of the South Korean sites will likely be approved in the UNESCO committee meeting slated for June 28 in Germany.
 
The expected addition will be South Korea's 12th UNESCO-recognized world heritage site.