6000-Year-Old 'Banguchon Petroglyphs' Challenge for World Heritage Status

Cultural Heritage Administration Submits Registration Application
"Unique Evidence of Contemporary Rock Carving Tradition"

The Ulsan 'Bangudae Petroglyphs,' known as prehistoric Korean pictorial records, are challenging for UNESCO World Heritage status. On the 30th, the Cultural Heritage Administration submitted the nomination dossier to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. They plan to respond to the evaluation process in cooperation with local governments and related ministries.

Selected as a candidate for World Heritage inscription in July last year, the 'Bangudae Petroglyphs' is a single heritage site that includes the national treasures 'Ulju Cheonjeon-ri Engraving' and 'Ulju Daegok-ri Bangudae Petroglyphs.' It encapsulates the aesthetic expressions and cultural changes of people in the southeastern coastal region of the Korean Peninsula from the Neolithic to the Silla period. In particular, the paintings creatively depicting whales and the main stages of whaling are regarded as masterpieces. The Cultural Heritage Administration explained, "The diverse images and inscriptions spanning approximately 6,000 years provide unique evidence confirming the rock engraving traditions of their respective eras."

Whether it will be subject to the inscription review will be determined by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), a specialized evaluation body. If listed, the final inscription decision will be made at the 47th World Heritage Committee meeting to be held next year. As of last September, Korea holds sixteen World Heritage sites, including the 'Gaya Tumuli.'