"World Heritage Committee Recognizes Petroglyphs as Unique Evidence of a 6,000-Year-Old Tradition"
"Seeking Ways to Contribute to the Local Economy"
President Lee Jaemyung issued a message regarding the inscription of the Bangudae Petroglyphs in Ulsan on the UNESCO World Heritage List, stating, "I wholeheartedly welcome this achievement together with the entire nation."
On July 12, through his Facebook page, President Lee wrote, "It has been over 50 years since this masterpiece, created by humans and nature over many ages, was introduced to the world. Only now has it finally been recognized as a heritage worthy of protection for all humanity."
President Lee continued, "The World Heritage Committee, in deciding on the inscription, evaluated that prehistoric people who lived on the Korean Peninsula creatively depicted rare subjects such as whales. The committee also acknowledged that the petroglyphs are unique evidence demonstrating a tradition that has continued for about 6,000 years since prehistoric times."
He further stated, "Above all, what is most deeply engraved along Bangudae Stream is likely the aspiration of the people of the Korean Peninsula, who, thousands of years ago, sought to leave and share stories even without written language. I believe that this desire for expression has been passed down and is now reflected in the remarkable achievements of our contemporary cultural and artistic communities."
President Lee also emphasized, "The Bangudae Petroglyphs are a proud cultural asset and a global tourism resource whose value can be further expanded and reproduced in many ways. We must ensure that the preservation and management of this heritage meet international standards, and we should also seek ways for it to contribute to the local economy."
He added, "I sincerely welcome the inscription of the Bangudae Petroglyphs as a World Heritage site, which has become a legacy that must be protected not only by Korea but by all humanity."
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