Petroglyphs of Bangudae Terrace in Daegok-ri, Ulju

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.285

Category

Sculpture

Era

신석기시대

Designated year

1995

Location

울주군, 울산광역시— 울산광역시 울주군 언양읍 대곡리 991-3

Coordinates

35.603815, 129.177843

Petroglyphs, or stone engravings, refer to the drawings that men of the prehistoric age engraved on such sacred places as huge rocks with the hopes that their wishes might come true. It is known that stone engravings are related to the Southern culture. Such engravings discovered in the Korean peninsula give information on the origin and migration of the inhabitants. This stone engraving is 4.5m tall and 8m wide. It is engraved on a rock that has the shape of the Korean alphabet 'ㄱ.'Due to the construction works of Sayeon Dam, the engraving is presently underwater. On the surface of the rock, a total of 200 drawings showing 75 kinds of land animals and sea animals and hunting scenes are engraved. There is a tiger caught in a trap and a female tiger heavy with child. Wild boars are captured in love making scenes and does can be seen either stalking with their babies by their sides or carrying them. Whales with spears in them, or carrying children can also be seen. The hunting scenes consist of masked magicians, hunters after their prey, and fishermen on board ships. Details such as fishing nets and the shape of the ships are all expressed. Supposedly these scenes were engraved in the hope that the hunts will be successful and the prey more abundant. The outlines of the drawings are chiseled out and grinded. From these techniques, it seems that the stone engravings were made between the end of the Neolithic Age and the Bronze Age. The hunting scenes are made real and dynamic through the use of line and dots and on the whole, all the figures seem vivid and real. Being at the same time hunting art and religious art, they are excellent works from which the lives and customs of the prehistoric age can be known.

Location