The volcanic island and lava cave sites of Jeju are expected to win a place on the world natural heritage list, a first for the nation.

Jeju's Lieutenant Governor Kim Han-wook says that representatives of the UNESCO World Heritage Center have expressed support for the designation, reportedly citing the "registration recommended" appraisal by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), which came after a year of painstaking deliberation.

A senior heritage center official has said that the recommendation shows that the conservation union recognizes the Jeju site's unique qualities although there are already a number of registered volcanic sites around the world.

He said that it will not be difficult for Jeju to win a spot on the heritage list.