Seven Buddhist mountain temples in South Korea have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The World Heritage Committee on Saturday announced the unanimous decision during its 42nd session in Manama, Bahrain, recognizing the temples as a universal cultural heritage.

The seven temples belong to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. They the temples of Seonam and Daeheung, located in South Jeolla Province; Beopju and Magok in the central Chungcheong region; and Tongdo, Buseok and Bongjeong in southern Gyeongsang Province.

The International Council on Monuments and Sites, a non-governmental advisory group that provides pre-assessment prior to UNESCO's call, recommended four of the seven temples – Beopju, Tongdo, Buseok and Daeheung, citing lack of historical significance and small sizes.

But South Korea reportedly succeeded in adding all seven to the list with active negotiations and promotion to secure votes from all member countries at the last minute.