Bangudae Petroglyphs

Rockcare · CC BY-SA 3.0

Prehistoric whale-hunting scenes carved into a cliff — the world's oldest record of whaling.

On a cliff above a river, Neolithic people carved more than three hundred figures: whales with calves on their backs, boats with rowers, deer, tigers, traps. It is regarded as the oldest pictorial record of whaling anywhere. The irony is that a reservoir built in 1965 submerges the cliff for months each year, and the argument over how to save the carvings has run for decades. Visitors view them by telescope from an observation point across the water; a museum nearby holds a full-size replica.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Bangudae Petroglyphs?

November–April (low reservoir)

How long do you need at Bangudae Petroglyphs?

1.5 hours

What are the opening hours of Bangudae Petroglyphs?

The petroglyph museum runs 09:00–18:00, Tuesday to Sunday; closed Mondays and 1 January. The outdoor viewpoint over the cliff is freely accessible

Did you know

More than 300 carvings, dated to roughly 6,000–3,500 years ago.
Considered the earliest pictorial record of whaling in the world.
National Treasure No. 285 of Korea.
Submerged for months each year by the Sayeon reservoir.

Travel tips

Bring binoculars, or use the telescopes at the viewpoint.
Visit the petroglyph museum nearby to see the replica in detail.
The dry season (winter to early spring) lowers the water and improves the view.

Source: https://www.ulsan.go.kr/s/bangudae/main.ulsan

Updated: 2026-08-05