ULSAN, South Korea — The petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream in Ulju County, Ulsan, are expected to be inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site following a recommendation by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), a key advisory body to UNESCO.

The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) announced on May 26 that ICOMOS had formally recommended the petroglyphs for World Heritage status. Such recommendations are typically adopted by the World Heritage Committee, barring any unexpected developments.

ICOMOS described the petroglyphs as a “masterpiece” that reflects the creativity and observational skills of prehistoric inhabitants of the Korean Peninsula. The carvings, which feature whales and scenes of whaling, offer vivid depictions of prehistoric life and artistic expression.

The organization emphasized that the Bangucheon petroglyphs represent a continuous tradition spanning approximately 6,000 years. They are considered a unique record of cultural evolution along Korea’s southeastern coast.

The final decision will be made during the World Heritage Committee meeting scheduled to take place in Paris from July 6 to 16. If approved, the site will become Korea’s 17th entry on the World Heritage List — 15 cultural and two natural.

Sayart / ReaA JUNG queen7203@gmail.com