An archipelago near Sinan, South Jeolla Province and Mt. Myohyang in North Korea will be designated as Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO, the Ministry of Environment said Sunday.

Unlike the World Heritage sites, whose development is strictly controlled for the conservation of the region's ecosystem, Biosphere Reserves seek both conservation of the ecosystem and sustainable use. Although there are no special regulations or benefits attached to the designation, the area is expected to benefit from increased tourism.

A map of the Sinan archipelago

A total of 531 sites in 105 countries are on the list, including two South Korean sites. Mt. Sorak and Jeju Island were designated in 1982 and 2002.

The Sinan archipelago covers 420 islands over an area of 573 sq km, a little smaller than Seoul, with the sea accounting for 68 percent, the land 25 percent, and the mud flats 7 percent. With breathtaking views of distinct cliffs along a rias coast, the archipelago in the Sinan area serves as a stopover for 337 kinds of migratory birds, or over 75 percent of local birds. "With the designation, the area will be able to promote itself to the world as an eco-tourism destination," the ministry said.

Home to 28 kinds of internationally endangered species, Mt. Myohyang, the sacred ground for Dangun, the founding father of Korea, will become the third Biosphere Reserve site in the North, following Mt. Baekdu (designated in 1989) and Mt. Kuwol (2004).