Ulsan's Global Leap:
Bangudae Petroglyphs Officially Designated as UNESCO World Heritage
Cultural Diplomacy and Economic Cooperation Achieved
Through Delegation Visits to Uzbekistan, Turkiye, and France
From July 3 to July 14, Ulsan City elevated its global standing through a 12-day cultural and economic delegation tour spanning Uzbekistan, T?rkiye, and France.
The most significant achievement of this tour was, without a doubt, the official inscription of the "Bangudae Petroglyphs" as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mayor Kim Dukyum and the delegation attended the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Paris, France, witnessing the historic moment when the "Bangudae Petroglyphs" became Korea's 17th World Heritage Site.
UNESCO recognized the site's "Outstanding Universal Value (OUV)" due to the tradition of petroglyphs spanning over 6,000 years, the artistry of prehistoric people, and the depiction of globally unique subjects such as whale hunting.
As a result, on July 12, 2025, the "Bangudae Petroglyphs" were officially inscribed as Korea's 17th World Heritage Site.
The newly designated area includes the National Treasure "Bangudae Petroglyphs in Daegok-ri, Ulju," the "Cheonjeon-ri Inscriptions," and approximately 3 kilometers along the Bangudaecheon stream.
During the first stop in Uzbekistan, on July 5, a "Korea-Uzbekistan Economic Cooperation Forum" was held in Tashkent. There, major Korean companies such as Korea East-West Power, LG Energy Solution, and Doosan Enerbility, together with the Uzbekistan Ministry of Energy, signed an MOU for "K-Energy Market Entry Cooperation." This agreement focused on technological cooperation and joint projects in the field of clean energy.
On July 7, the delegation attended a graduation ceremony for shipbuilding technicians at the Fergana Global Human Resources Training Center. Ninety-seven graduates, who completed three months of international-standard technical training, are expected to be given priority employment at small and medium-sized shipbuilding companies in Ulsan. Ulsan City plans to expand this model to other Asian countries such as Vietnam and Thailand to establish a global skilled workforce recruitment system.
On July 9, the delegation visited T?rkiye, where they met with officials at Kocaeli City Hall, Ulsan's sister city, to discuss ways to expand industrial and cultural exchanges.
Later that day, a "T?rkiye Market Entry Strategy Seminar" was held. The event was attended by Hyundai Motor T?rkiye, Assan Hanil, KOTRA Istanbul, as well as Ulsan-based companies such as Luxco, Korea Mold, Hanil Electric, and Samjong Industries, facilitating practical information exchange for local market entry.
In France, on July 11, the delegation also toured advanced facilities as part of Ulsan City's plans to establish a world-class performing arts center and Korea's first international-standard canoe slalom stadium.
The delegation visited Op?ra Bastille to closely examine the operation system of this leading French performance venue, which features advanced stage technology and excellent public accessibility.
They also visited the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium, the site of the canoe events for the 2024 Paris Olympics. This facility, which includes Europe's largest artificial whitewater course, a training center, and a medical support system, will serve as a direct reference for the design of the planned stadium within Ulsan Sports Park.
Mayor Kim Dukyum emphasized, "Through this visit, we have enhanced Ulsan's international status by cooperating with sister cities and international organizations and by achieving the inscription of the Bangudae Petroglyphs as a World Heritage Site, maximizing diplomatic achievements. We will actively adopt the excellent practices observed in the three countries to transform Ulsan into a vibrant city where industry, tourism, and culture are harmoniously integrated."
Ulsan City Hall,
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