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

10.9Km 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)

11.0Km 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.

Jangsaengpo Whale Museum (장생포 고래박물관)

11.1Km 2021-03-23

244, Jangsaengpogorae-ro, Nam-gu, Ulsan
+82-52-256-6301

The Jangsaengpo Whale Museum opened on May 31, 2005 is the first and only whale museum in Korea and stands on what used to be a central area for the Korean whaling industry. After whaling was banned in 1986, 250 artifacts from whalers and the whaling industry were collected and put on display. Visitors can enjoy experience zones such as the Whale Belly Road or the Underwater Adventure Zone. Exhibitions include things like a Bryde's whale skeleton, a killer whale skeleton, a gray whale corner, and whaling ships.

Jangsaengpo Whale Watching Cruise (장생포 고래바다여행선)

11.1Km 2024-03-06

244 Jangsaengpogorae-ro, Nam-gu, Ulsan
+82-52-226-1900

Jangsaengpo Whale Watching Cruise is a whale tour boat operating from Jangsaengpo, Ulsan, once Korea's largest whaling port. The vessel features cabins, a performance stage, a convenience store, and a restaurant. There are courses available for whale exploration and coastal tours. Passengers can observe whales swimming along the coast of Jangsaengpo or visit attractions such as the Ulsandaegyo Bridge and the Ulsan Petrochemical Complex along the coast. Valid identification is required for boarding.

Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Village (장생포 고래문화마을)

11.1Km 2024-12-26

271-1 Jangsaengpogorae-ro, Nam-gu, Ulsan

Opened in 2015, Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Village reproduces the scene of an old whaling village through areas like Whale Plaza, Jangsaengpo Old Village, Prehistoric Whale Experience Garden, an aquatic botanical garden and other themed area as well as a sculpture park.

Migration Site of Gray Whales of Ulsan (울산 귀신고래 회유해면)

11.5Km 2025-01-10

Jangsaengpo-dong, Nam-gu, Ulsan
+82-52-277-0101

The Migration Site of Gray Whales of Ulsan is a famous site for watching large gray whales, which usually appear in winter season. The area was officially designated as a National Natural Monument to protect the endangered species.

Cheoyongam (처용암)

11.6Km 2020-02-05

Hwangseong-dong, Nam-gu, Ulsan
+82-52-229-6350

Cheoyongam is a very small rocky island sitting in the middle of Gaeunpo Inlet in front of Saejuk Village in Hwangseong-dong, Nam-gu, Ulsan.

It is a historic islet related to the famous folktale of Cheoyong. The tale is about a dragon that emerged from the east sea along with his seven sons at the end of the Silla Kingdom (57BC - 935AD). One of the dragon’s sons named Cheoyong came to the capital and married a beautiful woman. One night, he found an evil spirit trying to attack his wife so he sang and danced, whereupon the spirit presented itself and kneeled in apology. Since then, people have used the image of Cheoyong to dispel evil spirits.

The dance that Cheoyong is said to have performed has been titled Cheoyongmu and has been designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property. Cheoyongam is the sacred rock where the dragon in the tale is said to have appeared. There are many attractions nearby including Mokdo Island (Natural Monument No. 65), which offers magnificent lush greenery all year round.

Ulsan Daegok Museum (울산대곡박물관)

11.8Km 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.

Chisanseowon Confucian Academy (치산서원)

11.9Km 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.

Anian Park (애니언파크(울산 반려동물 문화센터))

12.4Km 2024-10-30

108 Hogyemaegok 6-ro, Buk-gu, Ulsan

Anian Park is the first pet culture complex in the southeastern region of Korea, divided into separate sections for large and small breeds of dogs. The complex is complete with a playground, water play zone, pet bath and more. The facility also offers etiquette classes for pets and owners, as well as certification programs.

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