The carvings include depictions of at least 58 whales, including North Pacific right whales and grey whales.
The site features a rare representation of a prehistoric net-fishing scene.
Researchers have identified carvings of tigers, boars, and deer alongside human figures, suggesting a hunter-gatherer society.
The carvings are engraved on a sandstone cliff measuring approximately 8 meters wide and 3 meters high.
Some imagery depicts the 'shamanistic' practice of whale hunting, offering insight into the spiritual life of prehistoric coastal peoples.
The Petroglyphs of Bangudae Terrace are a National Treasure of South Korea featuring approximately 300 rock carvings dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. These carvings are located on a rock face along the Daegokcheon Stream, which is prone to seasonal flooding. The site depicts a wide range of subjects, including whales, terrestrial animals, hunters, and fishing scenes. The whale imagery is particularly significant, as it provides rare evidence of prehistoric whaling activities in the region. Due to their location in a valley, the carvings are often submerged during heavy rainfall or when the nearby Sayeon Dam reservoir levels are high. Preservation efforts have included the construction of an upstream dam and a permanent viewing deck to allow for public observation. The petroglyphs were inscribed on the National Treasure list in 1995.
From the designated observation deck equipped with high-powered stationary telescopes.
Check local weather reports for recent heavy rainfall before visiting, as the site may be submerged or visibility reduced.
Bring binoculars or a high-zoom camera lens to better distinguish the carvings from the viewing platform.
Visit the nearby Ulsan Petroglyph Museum first to study replicas and detailed explanations of the rock art.
Do not expect to see the original carvings clearly if the reservoir water level is high; always check the museum's status reports first.
The site is occasionally inaccessible during periods of heavy rainfall or high water levels in the Sayeon Dam reservoir.
Stay on the designated wooden boardwalks and do not attempt to descend to the riverbank.
