Far from the neon-lit avenues of modern Seoul, Korea’s deep cultural roots are taking center stage this autumn. The Korea Heritage Service unveiled details Monday for its annual World Heritage Festival, inviting domestic and international travelers to experience the country's heritage firsthand through multi-day expeditions, archaeological workshops and temple retreats across three key UNESCO regions from Aug. 28 through Oct. 25. Now in its seventh year, the festival highlights the universal value of Korea’s UNESCO World Heritage entries through specialized night tours and rare access to protected environments. The nationwide event arrives as global interest in Korean cultural heritage reaches new heights, prompting authorities to shift away from traditional preservation models toward dynamic public engagement. The celebrations begin Aug. 28 across the Gaya Tumuli — a network of 1,500-year-old burial mounds spanning seven southern municipalities. Under the theme "Walk Together, Companion," visitors can participate in stargazing sessions above ancient tombs, join archaeological exc