Royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) are expected to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List at the next World Heritage Convention in June.

The Cultural Heritage Administration said the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) recommended the inclusion of 40 royal tombs in its recent report.

An official from the administration said the council recognized the cultural value of the royal tombs, with their unique architecture and landscaping.

The official added that ICOMOS wields significant influence on UNESCO’s decisions on what sites are included on the list.

Updates to the list will be made during next month’s World Heritage Convention in Seville, Spain.

If the Joseon tombs are added, Korea will have a total of nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the list, including Seokguram Grotto and Changdeok Palace.