A petroglyph has been discovered in the rocks on the bank of the Daegok stream, a branch of the Taehwa River, the lifeline of Ulsan, in 1971. Ban-gudae petroglyph is the oldest piece of historical evidence that allows us to see the daily lives of our ancestors from the prehistoric age.

In its 4 meter by 8 meter display, the Ban-gudae petroglyph shows land animals, including tigers and deer; marine life, such as whales; and humans in detail. It features faces, ships, and activities like whale hunting. It is difficult to find an example of such vivid paintings containing the thoughts and the daily activities of prehistoric human beings anywhere in the World, so it is an incredible treasure to us today.

To archaeologists studying the prehistoric age, the Ban-gudae petroglyph has been of special importance, as it is the oldest petroglyph depicting the hunting of whales by humans in the World.

Unfortunately, the Ban-gudae petroglyph is being continuously damaged by the changes in water levels due to the Sayeon Dam. It saddens people because they might lose a priceless historical artifact dating back to the earliest days of civilization.

This exhibition is a great opportunity to not only recognize the sad reality at the possibility of losing this ancient and priceless piece of our past, which has stood for thousands of years, but also to learn about efforts to preserve the petroglyph.

In addition, through this special exhibition, we wish to show the Ban-gudae petroglyph as an important part of our identity and the history of our civilization. We hope that the Ban-gudae petroglyph and its significance will be engraved into the everyone’s minds, allowing it to be preserved forever.