Petroglyphs of Bangudae Terrace in Daegok-ri [UNESCO World Heritage] (울주 대곡리 반구대 암각화 [유네스코 세계유산])

15.0Km 2025-07-18

Daegok-ri, Eongyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan

In Daegok-ri, Eonyang-eup sits Bangudae Terrace, a picturesque spot where a ridge of Yeongosan Mountain extends to and stands tall to form quite a spectacle featuring uniquely shaped rocks and cliffs. The name, Bangudae, comes from how it resembles a turtle lying prone on the ground. Petroglyphs are paintings drawn by people from the prehistoric times carved on rocks and depicting various scenes and events in their daily lives. Petroglyphs were often drawn on enormous rocks and other sacred locations of groups, and it is believed that people gathered around them to hold various rituals.
Petroglyphs of Bangudae Terrace in Daegok-ri, Ulju-gun are estimated to have been drawn over several periods since the New Stone Age, and visitors can observe the differences in styles among various ages. Primary objects that were popularly carved include sea animals, land animals, humans and tools and, as our prehistoric ancestors actively engaged in hunting, the hope of abundance in game is believed to be the reason why these objects were frequently carved on rocks. Vividly expressing animals and hunting scenes and colorfully depicting outstanding traits of objects, these petroglyphs are a form of both hunting art and religious art, and they are considered as the greatest masterpieces that give a peek at the life and customs of the prehistoric ages. The petroglyphs on the Bangudae Terrace and the petroglyphs in Cheonjeon-ri, spanning three kilometers altogether along the Bangucheon Stream, have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 12, 2025.

Jusangjeolli Cliff of Gangdong Hwaam Village (강동 화암 주상절리)

15.1Km 2020-04-23

Hwaam-gil, Buk-gu, Ulsan
+82-52-229-6350

Jusangjeolli are columnar rock formations with cross sections in hexagonal or triangular shapes. The jusangjeolli at the shore of Hwaam Maeul Village were created by basalt lava that erupted in the Tertiary period of the Cenozoic Era about 20 million years ago. The columnar basalt formations were created as the lava cooled and shrank into cracks. The rocks look like wood stacked horizontally or vertically en masse. The length of the columns average around 20 meters and diagonally are about 50 centimeters at the longest cross-section. Of the columnar lava formations on the East Coast, the Jusangjeolli in Hwaam are the oldest, so it is academically invaluable. Shaped in various angles, the rocks also offer a great landscape for sightseeing.

Chisanseowon Confucian Academy (치산서원)

15.6Km 2020-02-05

7, Chisullyeong-gil, Dudong-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
+82-52-204-0324

Relics of Park Jesang is also referred to as Chisanseowon Confucian Academy.

Park Jesang, a descendent of Park Hyeokgeose, was severly tortured and then burned to death after rescuing two hostages taken by Japan, who were the brothers of King Nulji.

The nearby temple and Mangbuseok have a folk tale regarding the story. His wife and two daughters died waiting for him and then his wife is said to have turned into Mangbuseok (faithful wife stone) in the eastern Chisullyeong Mountain in Manhwa-ri, Dudong-myeon. According to the legend, her spirit became a bird, and flew away to hide behind Euneulam (Bird Hidden Rock).

After Park Jesang's couragous act, King Nulji gave him a loyal officers position as well as the role of godmother to his wife for her model behavior of wifely duty. Chisanseowon Confucian Academy keeps their ancestral tablets to honor royalty.

Petroglyphs of Cheonjeon-ri [UNESCO World Heritage] (울주 천전리 명문과 암각화 [유네스코 세계유산])

15.7Km 2025-07-18

Cheonjeon-ri, Dudong-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan

The petroglyphs (figures, pictures, and letters were made on the rocks along the mid-stream area of Naegokcheon Stream, which is a tributary of Taehwagang River. The upper and lower sides of the rocks contain petroglyphs that differ in the content and techniques used. The upper side contains petroglyphs made by means of chiseling. The inscriptions include geometric patterns, animals, and abstract human figures. There are concentric circles, with a round figure looking like the sun at the center, four running deer next to them, and several semi-human animals. The figures with simplistic expression and symbolism appear to have been made during the Bronze Age.

The lower side contains line-drawn picture mixed with Chinese characters. They include a procession of horse riders, animals including dragons, and boats. In particular, the procession of horse riders appears in three different places. The boats provide researchers with important information on the offshore activities carried out by people of the Silla dynasty. The 800-plus written characters are about the King and Queen’s visit to the place. They were presumed to have been inscribed on two occasions during the reign of King Beopheung (r. 514-540) of the Silla dynasty. The content on the official positions and the government system makes it a precious material for those studying Silla during or around the 6th Century. The petroglyphs were made by many people over an extended period of time, providing vivid information on the life and thoughts of people from prehistoric times to the Silla dynasty.

The petroglyphs in Cheonjeon-ri and petroglyphs on the Bangudae Terrace, spanning three kilometers altogether along the Bangucheon Stream, have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 12, 2025.

(Source: Korea Heritage Service)

Ulsan Petroglyph Museum (울산암각화박물관)

15.8Km 2021-02-22

254, Bangudaean-gil, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
+82-52-229-4797

Ulsan Petroglyph Museum was established on May 30, 2008 at the entrance to Petroglyphs of Bangudae Terrace (National Treasure No. 285) in Ulju-gun. The museum displays 311 exhibit materials and has an exhibition hall, a storage room, a research lab, and an audiovisual room.

The exhibition hall presents models of petroglyphs of Bangudae and petroglyphs of Cheonjeon-ri (National Treasure No. 147), an educational video introducing the petroglyphs, a children’s hall, and family activity facilities. Visitors can observe reproductions of famous petroglyphs at the outdoor exhibit.

27th Ulsan Amateur Golf Tournament (제27회 울산아마골프대회)

16.3Km 2025-03-15

1 Ungchon-ro, Ungchon-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
+82-52-220-0613

The Ulsan Amateur Golf Tournament, hosted by Kyungsang Ilbo and organized by the Ulsan Golf Association, is a key event for local amateur golfers. Divided into general and senior player categories, participants compete in an 18-hole stroke game, with various awards at stake. The tournament promotes golf culture, sportsmanship, and community bonding.

Ulsan Daegok Museum (울산대곡박물관)

16.6Km 2021-05-18

257, Seohacheonjeon-ro, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
+82-52-229-4787

Ulsan Daegok Museum displays artifacts that were uncovered from the area of Daegok-ri during the construction of Daegok Dam. Approximately 13,000 relics were excavated during land inspection prior to the dam construction, including Hasamjeong Ancient Tomb. These findings were collected and became available for public display when the museum opened on June 24, 2009.

Myeongseondo Island (명선도)

16.8Km 2024-10-14

Jinha-ri, Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan

Myeongseondo Island is an uninhabited island near Jinha Beach in Ulju-gun, Ulsan. The island takes on a vibrant appearance after the sun sets, with various media art displays lighting up the pathways. The island is accessible via a temporary bridge set up during the admission times.

Supaeseo (숲애서)

16.9Km 2024-12-10

Anti-aging and Healing Service Experience Center, 248 Tapgol-gil, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Supaeseo, which opened in July 2021, is the first publicly operated healing experience center. The center helps visitors enjoy a slow and healthy life filled with love, while being surrounded by the clean forests of Daeunsan Mountain, Yangsan. Visitors can experience therapy programs, therapy meals, and recreational accommodations all in one place. The center is dedicated to improving visitors' quality of life through rest, forest therapy, and health therapy programs in the clean nature of Daeunsan Mountain.

Seosaengpo Waeseong Fortress (서생포왜성)

17.0Km 2020-02-05

Seosaeng-ri, Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan-si
+82-52-204-0324

Seosaengpo Waeseong Fortress (Seosaengpo Japanese Fortress) is a stone fortress typical of the Japanese style popular in the later part of the 16th century. It was built under the leadership of Japanese General Kato Kiyomasa in 1592-1593 at the beginning of the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese invasion, 1592-1598). The main fortress is located on a mountaintop 200 meters above sea level, a second fortress is halfway down the mountain, and a third fortress is located at the bottom of the mountain. The whole fortress is rectangular shaped. The fortress wall is 6 meters high and slants at an angle of 15 degrees.

In 1594, a Buddhist monk named Samyeong-daesa came to Seosaengpo Waeseong Fortress four times to negotiate for peace, but he failed each time. In 1598, the fortress was taken over by Korea with the assistance of General Magwi of the Ming dynasty. A year later, Changpyodang Shrine was built in honor of 53 Koreans who died during battles against the Japanese invading forces. However, the shrine was destroyed during the Japanese imperialism period and no trace of it remains. It is possible to tell from Seosaengpo Jinseongdo (a map drawn up in 1872) that the fortress was also partially used by Korean forces.

Petroglyphs of Bangudae Terrace in Daegok-ri [UNESCO World Heritage] (울주 대곡리 반구대 암각화 [유네스코 세계유산]) - Area information - Korea travel information