International inspectors have completed a field survey of South Korea’s mountain temples to determine the prospect of their listings as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
 
The Cultural Heritage Administration said Wednesday that the investigators from the International Council on Monuments and Sites led by China’s Wang Lijun surveyed the seven mountain temples scattered across the country last week.
 
During the field review, the inspectors also talked with Buddhist monks at the temples and the residents in the neighborhoods to collect public sentiment about the South Korean government’s bid for the temples as well as to measure how the temples are being preserved and managed.
 
The decision on whether they merit the coveted status will be made at a UNESCO World Heritage meeting slated for June and July next year.
  
The seven Buddhist temples include 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.