Ulsan: A set of prehistoric rock carvings in southeastern South Korea has been added to UNESCO's World Heritage list, a South Korean cultural agency announced Saturday. The decision was made during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Paris, where the "Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream" were formally recognized for their outstanding cultural value.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the carvings are etched into vertical cliff faces along the Bangucheon Stream, a tributary of the Taehwa River in Ulsan, located approximately 360 kilometers southeast of Seoul. These petroglyphs depict hunting scenes and animals believed to date back to the prehistoric era, offering a glimpse into early human life and artistic expression.
The site is composed of two major panels: the Bangudae petroglyphs in Daegok-ri and the Cheonjeon-ri petroglyphs. Both are considered significant examples of early human art in East Asia, contributing valuable insight into prehistoric cultures and their interactions with the environment.
With this recent addition, South Korea now boasts 17 entries on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This recognition further emphasizes the global importance of the country's cultural heritage and the role of these ancient artworks in understanding human history.