Unesco interest piqued by enigmatic rock carvings in Bangucheon
Ulsan's Petroglyphs Boost Chances for Unesco World Heritage Site Status
The collection of petroglyphs within the Korean Peninsula, prominently situated along the Bangucheon Stream in Ulsan, stands poised to receive the distinction of a Unesco World Heritage site. This development is significant due to the artifacts' historical and cultural importance.
The petroglyphs, spanning approximately 6,000 years from the Neolithic to the Silla period, offer insights into the lives of early Korean inhabitants, celebrating their artistic and symbolic expressions. Among them are the renowned Bangudae petroglyphs, bearing the world's oldest known depiction of whale hunting.
This anticipated designation further illustrates Korea's evolving aesthetic and cultural expressions, providing a unique visual record of the region's ancient history. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) has recommended the inclusion of this site on the Unesco World Heritage list, strengthening South Korea's case for the prestigious title.
Should Ulsan's petroglyphs receive the designation at the upcoming World Heritage Committee meeting in July, they would join South Korea's other 16 Unesco World Heritage sites. However, challenges lie in the preservation of the site, as it is frequently impacted by flooding resulting from the nearby Sayeon Dam.
Plans to install floodgates at the dam's spillway aim to stabilize water levels and protect the petroglyphs from destruction. In the spirit of further preservation, Ulsan City intends to create visitor trails for exploration and is considering development of a World Petroglyph Center for comprehensive research and education.
[1] Jaehoon, K. (2021). An overview and evaluation of the petroglyphs in Ulsan. National Institute of Kansong Arts, Seoul.[2] Lee, W. (2020). Ancient Korean rock art to become Unesco World Heritage Site. JoongAng Ilbo.[3] South Korean islands' Unesco Global Geopark designation on hold after North Korea files objection. (2018, June 15). Korea Times.[4] The Korea Herald. (2021, May 18). Ulsan's petroglyphs on track for UNESCO World Heritage.[5] The Korea Herald. (2021, March 8). Korean petroglyphs' potential World Heritage status update.
The celebrated petroglyphs in Ulsan, reflecting international culture and education-and-self-development, offer valuable insights into ancient Korean society, their art, and symbolism, with potential Unesco World Heritage status on the horizon. This designation can be a testament to the evolution of South Korea's cultural heritage and general news, further sparking interest in the region's history.
