Ulsan's Bangudae Petroglyphs Submerged Just Days After UNESCO Recognition

Just a week after being designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Bangudae Petroglyphs in Ulsan's Ulju County have been submerged due to heavy rainfall. As of July 19, 2025, the water level at the Sayun Dam reached 56.45 meters, surpassing the 53-meter threshold that triggers flooding of the petroglyphs. The site, which features rock carvings dating back to prehistoric times, is at risk of being completely submerged if the water level exceeds 57 meters.

Recent localized downpours have led to significant rainfall in the area, with measurements showing 117.8 mm on July 13, 59 mm on July 14, and 123.2 mm on July 17. The Korea Water Resources Corporation typically releases water from the dam to maintain lower levels, but the inflow has recently outpaced the outflow, with inflow reaching 31 tons per second compared to just 4.5 tons released.

Forecasts predict an additional 50 mm of rain by the afternoon of July 19, which could further raise the dam's water level and prolong the submersion of the Bangudae Petroglyphs. Previously, the site was submerged for 74 days from August 10 to October 22, 2023, due to monsoon and typhoon effects. In 2024, however, rainfall was not sufficient to cause flooding.

On average, the petroglyphs were submerged for 42 days per year from 2014 to 2023. Before the Korea Water Resources Corporation implemented active water level management, the average was 151 days from 2005 to 2013. To address the flooding issue, plans were established in 2021 to construct sluice gates at the dam's spillway, but completion is not expected until 2030, highlighting the need for immediate solutions.