[K-wave] S. Korea's ancient petroglyphs adding to UNESCO World Heritage List

Korea's southeastern city of Ulsan is home to prehistoric rock carvings that were recently recognized as UNESCO World Heritage.

Our Choi Soo-hyung delves into the implications of this latest acknowledgement.

Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream in Ulsan became South Korea's 17th entry on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

These are carvings made on rock walls beside the stream by prehistoric people who lived on the Korean Peninsula about 6-thousand years ago.

This is South Korea's first UNESCO World Heritage listing of petroglyphs that show prehistoric life and possible beliefs.

"This inscription is especially meaningful as it marks the first petroglyph site in all of Asia to be recognized by UNESCO. Until now, only seven countries, including Russia, Algeria and Brazil, had petroglyphs on the World Heritage List. South Korea is the first in East Asia to achieve this."

On July 12 in Paris, the World Heritage Committee recognized the Bangucheon Petroglyphs as masterpieces of human creativity, showcasing the artistic and unique skills of ancient people living along coastal areas of the Korean Peninsula.

Especially, the committee said those featuring whales and whaling were a historically important record of "Outstanding Universal Value."

"Whale inscriptions are extremely rare worldwide. These petroglyphs uniquely show not only different whale species, but also detailed hunting methods. With little written record from prehistoric times, the Bangucheon Petroglyphs provide invaluable insight into the lives and creativity of early humans."

Following its addition to the UNESCO Tentative List in 2010, the full listing has finally come to fruition after 15 years.

Notably, it is the second prehistoric heritage site in Korea to gain World Heritage status, after the dolmen in Ganghwa in the country's western region.

Due to its location near a stream and risk of flooding, the World Heritage Committee recommended reporting progress on flood prevention measures and formally involving local communities in site management.

The Korea Heritage Service also made special efforts to ensure their preservation, contributing to the successful listing.

"To be listed as a World Heritage site, its value must be clearly identified and well preserved through strong management plans. All efforts need to meet UNESCO's standards. We prepared thoroughly in these areas, which led to its successful listing."

South Korea has 13 sites on the UNESCO Tentative List, including the second phase of tidal flats, Seoul's old city walls, and Busan's wartime heritage, all under review.

Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.