Evaluation Mission Carried Out to

“Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream”

(May 27-31)

 - UNESCO advisory body examined the state of conservation and management of Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream -

The evaluation mission to “Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream” was carried out by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (hereinafter referred to as “ICOMOS”) from May 27 to 31, 2024. The nomination dossier was submitted by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS; Commissioner Choi, Eungcheon) in January this year.

The “Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream,” nominated as a World Heritage Site, is a single property that includes the Petroglyphs of Bangudae Terrace in Daegok-ri, Ulju which is a National Treasure with a high concentration of engraved images, as well as the Petroglyphs of Cheonjeon-ri, Ulju.

ICOMOS, an advisory body to UNESCO, sent Professor Benjamin Smith from the University of Western Australia to conduct the on-site mission of "Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream."
During the five-day mission, Professor Smith visited both the heritage site and buffer zone to evaluate the authenticity and integrity of the site, as well as its preservation, management and utilization. He also gathered opinions from relevant organizations.

The onsite mission is a crucial part of the UNESCO World Heritage evaluation process, engaging various experts and including desk reviews and panel meetings. ICOMOS will consolidate its findings from the mission and present a detailed evaluation report for the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in July 2025. The committee will make the final decision about the inscription of “Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream” as a World Heritage Site.
The Korea Heritage Service will continue to collaborate closely with local governments, relevant ministries, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful inscription of “Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream" on the UNESCO World Heritage List.