Prehistoric whale-hunting rock art elevates South Korean city’s global cultural profile

ULSAN, South Korea — The petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream in Ulsan, home to some of East Asia’s earliest depictions of whale hunting, have been officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the organization announced Friday at its 47th World Heritage Committee session in Paris.

The newly designated site includes both the Bangudae Petroglyphs and Cheonjeon-ri Petroglyphs in Daegok-ri, Eonyang, marking a major milestone for Ulsan’s cultural and archaeological profile. In response, local officials have unveiled a series of initiatives to develop the area into a premier international cultural tourism destination.

Beginning July 19, Ulsan will launch updated city tour programs to highlight the World Heritage inscription. In addition to an existing nighttime tour, a new daytime tour and a rebranded “World Heritage” family tour on Sundays will offer visits to the petroglyph sites and the Ulsan Petroglyph Museum. Reservations can be made through the city’s tourism platform, “What a Ulsan.”

Further plans include the construction of a historical and cultural walking trail, supported by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The 11.6-kilometer (7.2-mile) route, set for completion by 2030 at a cost of 17.5 billion won (approximately $12.7 million), will comprise three segments: the Cheonjeon-ri Petroglyph Trail (2.6 km), Bangudae Petroglyph Trail (3 km), and Bangu Old Road (5.7 km).

To celebrate the heritage listing, Ulju County is hosting a cultural exhibition through July 31 at the Uljugallery, featuring 35 pieces, including photos of the petroglyphs and traditional Korean ceramics. Ulsan is also operating a night market at the Taehwa River National Garden from July 18 to September 20, offering food trucks, artisan booths, petroglyph-themed souvenirs, and interactive cultural programs.

The Ulsan Museum is currently showcasing a special exhibition on whale bones through October 26. Centered on a Neolithic-era harpoon lodged in a whale vertebra, the exhibition highlights evidence of prehistoric marine hunting, a rare archaeological discovery.

In addition to physical programming, Ulsan is embracing digital engagement. The Ulju public health center is running a step-tracking challenge through the “WalkOn” app, where users can collect virtual animal characters — including whales and wild boars — inspired by petroglyph imagery. Participants visiting the actual sites earn bonus points.

Ulsan’s cityscape is also being transformed by public art installations from renowned international artists. Among them are Shepard Fairey, famed for his “Hope” poster of Barack Obama; Portuguese sculptor Vhils; and French-American muralist JonOne. The installations celebrate the World Heritage recognition and aim to merge prehistoric heritage with contemporary culture.

“The Bangucheon Petroglyphs are not just archaeological remains, but core assets that embody Ulsan’s identity and future,” said a city official. “This World Heritage inscription will help establish Ulsan as a city where prehistoric culture and contemporary art coexist.”

First discovered on December 25, 1971, the petroglyphs offer one of the earliest known records of human whale hunting. The Bangudae site includes over 300 animal carvings, while the upstream Cheonjeon-ri site contains 625 engravings ranging from Neolithic and Bronze Age figures to Silla Dynasty inscriptions and abstract patterns — collectively illustrating the evolution of art and ritual over millennia.

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