Ulsan Bangudae Petroglyphs Recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site
On July 12, 2025, the Bangudae Petroglyphs in Ulsan were officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the vibrant lives of ancient people who once inhabited this land. President Lee Jae-myung expressed his heartfelt congratulations on Facebook, stating, "The masterpiece created over countless years by humans and nature, the Bangudae Petroglyphs, has finally been acknowledged as a heritage worthy of protection for all humanity after being known to the world for over 50 years."
He further noted that the World Heritage Committee praised the petroglyphs for their creative depiction of rare subjects, such as whales, by prehistoric inhabitants of the Korean Peninsula. The committee recognized the petroglyphs as unique evidence of a tradition that has persisted for approximately 6,000 years, demonstrating the cultural evolution of the southeastern coastal region of Korea.
President Lee emphasized that the deepest engravings along Bangudae reflect the aspirations of the people of the Korean Peninsula, who sought to share their stories even without written language thousands of years ago. He believes that this desire for expression continues to resonate today, contributing to the achievements of contemporary artists and cultural figures.
He also highlighted the potential for the Bangudae Petroglyphs to serve as a proud cultural asset and a global tourism resource, urging for preservation and management efforts to meet international standards while exploring ways to benefit the local economy.
Earlier that day, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee convened in Paris for its 47th session and made the final decision to inscribe the Bangudae Petroglyphs as a World Heritage Site. The committee described the petroglyphs as masterpieces that showcase the artistic abilities of the people who lived on the Korean Peninsula, featuring realistic depictions and unique compositions that capture various stages of whale hunting, reflecting the creativity of prehistoric artists.
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