South Korea has placed the Upo Wetland, a haven for natural organisms in the nation's southeast region, on a tentative list for consideration for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Upo, in the county of Changnyeong in South Gyeongsang Province, is the nation's largest and oldest wetland. It is home to various rare species of birds, plants and fish native to the Korean Peninsula. At least ten animal and plant species on the verge of extinction can be found in the area.

Placing candidate areas on UNESCO’s tentative list is a preliminary step for countries who wish to have cultural properties considered for World Heritage status.

Cultural properties must be on the tentative list for at least one year before they can qualify for consideration for World Heritage status.

South Korea currently has ten other properties on the tentative list, including the ancient Gangjin porcelain kiln complex, salt farms, and Namhansanseong, which is a Joseon Dynasty fortress south of Seoul. As of now, a total of 15-hundred properties from 162 nations are on the tentative list.