Impact of the Bangudae Petroglyphs’ World Heritage Inscription and Changes in Ulsan’s Cultural Tourism

The impact of the Bangudae Petroglyphs’ World Heritage inscription is becoming clearly visible in Ulsan’s cultural tourism landscape. Since the site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in July last year, the number of visitors to the Ulsan Petroglyph Museum has increased sharply, drawing growing attention to Ulsan as a major cultural heritage destination in Korea.

[The Korean Day] Panoramic view of the Bangudae Petroglyphs (photographed by Heo Heon-gang, 2024) © 정소영 기자

According to the Ulsan Metropolitan City Government, the “Petroglyphs along the Bangudae Stream” consist of heritage assets that include two nationally designated treasures: the Cheonjeon-ri Inscription and Petroglyphs in Ulju and the Bangudae Petroglyphs in Daegok-ri, Ulju. With this inscription, the site became Korea’s 17th UNESCO World Heritage property, highlighting its outstanding universal value and historical significance.

Following the World Heritage listing, the museum recorded an average monthly increase of approximately 75 percent in visitor numbers compared with the previous year. In particular, more than 10,000 visitors were recorded in each of August, October, and November last year, indicating a sustained upward trend. Since opening in May 2008, the museum’s cumulative visitor total surpassed 1.56 million as of the end of December 2025.

International visitation has also shown a notable rise. After the inscription, the number of foreign visitors nearly doubled compared with 2024, reflecting increased global recognition of the site and Ulsan’s growing appeal among overseas tourists.

In response to rising demand, the Ulsan Petroglyph Museum has expanded its exhibitions and educational programs. To commemorate the World Heritage inscription, the museum is hosting a special exhibition titled “World Heritage: The Petroglyphs along the Bangudae Stream We Loved,” which runs through February 28. The exhibition presents the historical and artistic value of the petroglyphs through carefully curated displays and interpretive materials.

Educational initiatives have also been strengthened. During the second and fourth weeks of January, the museum offers “Museum School in the Forest,” a program designed for preschool groups that introduces the petroglyphs through guided activities and hands-on experiences. In addition, a family-oriented program titled “Petroglyph Workshop” allows participants to create artworks inspired by the ancient carvings. These programs aim to extend the impact of the World Heritage inscription beyond passive viewing to participatory cultural learning.

Ulsan anticipates that cultural tourism centered on the Bangudae petroglyphs will generate positive spillover effects for the local economy. Heritage tourism is closely linked to related sectors such as accommodation, dining, and transportation, and the city expects the expanding visitor base to contribute to broader regional vitality.

A museum official said the institution will continue to promote the historical and artistic value of the World Heritage site and further establish the museum as an open cultural space for both residents and visitors. The official added that exhibitions and educational programs will be continuously expanded so that more people can experience the significance of the World Heritage inscription in everyday life.

For official information on UNESCO World Heritage sites, visitors may refer to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

[ By Soyoung Jeong | Ulsan Gangbuk | ulsangangbuk@thekoreantoday.com ]

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