It is the only place in the world where dinosaur, pterosaur, and web-footed bird footprints coexist in the same stratigraphic layer.
The pterosaur footprints found here are among the largest ever discovered globally, measuring over 30 centimeters in length.
The site was discovered during a dam construction project in the late 1990s, leading to the preservation of these critical geological assets.
The fossilized tracks were formed on a mudflat shoreline approximately 80 to 90 million years ago.
The site provides evidence that pterosaurs could walk on land using all four limbs rather than just flying.
The discovery confirmed the existence of prehistoric birds that lived alongside dinosaurs in the Cretaceous period.
Uhang-ri Dinosaur Fossil Site in Haenam is a globally significant paleontological site where dinosaur, pterosaur, and bird footprints are found in the same geological strata. The site features the Haenam Dinosaur Museum, which houses extensive fossils and life-sized models. Visitors can observe actual fossilized footprints preserved in their original sedimentary environment within specialized protected pavilions. The area contains tracks from large herbivorous dinosaurs and the rare 'Haenamichnus uhangriensis,' a giant pterosaur species. The site is situated along the coast, showcasing the unique geological history of the Cretaceous period. It is one of the few places in the world where marine and terrestrial fossils appear in such close proximity.
The life-sized dinosaur sculptures in the outdoor park provide a clear scale reference against the coastal landscape.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the site involves significant outdoor walking between pavilions.
Bring a hat and sunscreen, as the coastal paths offer very little natural shade during the summer.
Allocate extra time to explore the indoor museum displays, which provide necessary context for the outdoor fossil sites.
Do not rush through the indoor museum; the outdoor fossils are difficult to interpret without the prior knowledge gained from the exhibits.
Closed on Mondays for facility maintenance.
Do not touch the fossil surfaces; follow marked pathways strictly to prevent erosion of the site.
