The petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream in Ulsan have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming South Korea’s 17th World Heritage Site and the country’s first from the Stone Age.
The newly recognised site includes the Petroglyphs of Bangudae Terrace in Daegok-ri and the Petroglyphs of Cheonjeon-ri. These ancient rock carvings offer rare insight into prehistoric life, with vivid depictions of everyday scenes, rituals, and beliefs.
The Bangudae Terrace carvings are notable for their detailed whale-hunting imagery, while those at Cheonjeon-ri illustrate aspects of life from prehistoric times through to the Silla dynasty.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee praised the petroglyphs as “a masterpiece of creative genius” and a testament to South Korea’s 6,000-year-old rock-carving tradition.
The listing is expected to boost cultural tourism in Ulsan, with local authorities planning to introduce city tours and enhance nearby attractions such as the Ulsan Petroglyph Museum and Ulsan Daegok Museum.
