August 2025
The Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream, preserved for thousands of years, have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These petroglyphs are invaluable historical records that feature geometric patterns, as well as depictions of various animals, humans and inscriptions. The achievement reflects over 15 years of nationwide efforts to protect this cultural legacy, one that preserves humanity’s early records, as a recognized World Heritage Site.
Writer. Lee Jihae Korea.net Reporter
The Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream in Ulsan’s Ulju-gun County, prehistoric images carved on rock that contain the essence of the nation’s culture of those times, have been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Jul. 12 said the decision was finalized at the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee that day in Paris.
The petroglyphs are considered a single piece of heritage that include those in Ulju-gun County’s villages of Daegok-ri and Cheonjeon-ri.
Engraved on rocks under a cliff, the works are famous for their vivid images of whales such finback and gray whale and people hunting those creatures.
The engravings in Cheonjeon-ri depict animals in the sea and on land such as whales, deer and horses. There are records of royalty and noble warriors visiting these petroglyphs during the reign (514-540) of King Beopheung of the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.-A.D. 935), thus the inscriptions are valuable historical resources with traces of eras other than prehistoric times.
“The creativity is particularly evocative in prehistoric images depicting whales and certain stages of whaling, a subject only rarely represented in rock art around the world,” the ministry quoted the committee as saying. “The Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream also attest to a tradition of rock carving that was practiced for approximately 6,000 years within the landscape formed by the stream.”
Korea now has 17 items on the World Heritage list—15 cultural and two natural.
A detailed view of the Petroglyphs of Daegok-ri / © Ulsan Metropolitan City.
A summer festival that will fill Korea with music and excitement is set to take place in Incheon. The Incheon Pentaport Music Festival is one of Korea’s leading music festivals, renowned as a global event where top-tier rock, indie and alternative musicians from Korea and abroad come together.
As it celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025, visitors can expect special artists and programs. This year, world-renowned rock bands Plup, Beck and Asian Kung-Fu Generation will perform alongside major Korean bands such as Jaurim, Crying Nut and 3rd Line Butterfly. In total, 58 teams, including emerging artists from the PENTA SUPER ROOKIE program, will bring energy to the stage.
A new Global Ambassador program has also been introduced this year to strengthen international engagement. The first artist selected is Balming Tiger, a team known for representing Korea’s alternative K-pop scene. Known for their genre-defying approach and experimental music, they are expected to deliver a fresh and memorable performance.
Beyond the live performances, festivalgoers can indulge in a range of food options, from casual snacks to hearty fare. Last year’s menu included kimchimari-guksu (kimchi noodles), samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) rice bowls, beer and ice cream, ensuring that hunger won’t get in the way of the fun.
Ahead of the main event, a pop-up store celebrating Pentaport’s 20th anniversary was held in the Hongdae area, offering exclusive merchandise. In addition, six live clubs in Incheon hosted “Live Club Parties,” creating a vibrant lead-up to the festival.
This high-energy summer festival has already sold out several rounds of pre-sale tickets. Planning a trip to Korea and hoping to catch world-class rock performances? Be sure to check out the official website: https://pentaport.co.kr/ for details.
© Incheon Metropolitan City.
