The Cultural Heritage Administration(CHA) said Thursday that it submitted an application to list seven Buddhist mountain temples as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The decision on whether they merit the coveted status will be made at a UNESCO World Heritage meeting next year, following a site review by the International Council on Monuments and Sites(ICOMOS).

South Korea launched the bid to list its mountainous temples as World Heritage sites in May 2011. The seven temples were chosen in 2013. 

The temples are Tongdo on Mount Yeongchuk in Yangsan; Buseok on Mount Bonghwang in Yeongju; Bongjeong on Mount Cheondeung in Andong; Beopju on Mount Songni in Boeun; Magok on Mount Taehwa in Gongju; Seonam on Mount Jogye in Suncheon; and Daeheung on Mount Duryun in Haenam.