The inscriptions and rock carvings at Jeongjeong-ri in Ulju are a cultural heritage site featuring diverse images and characters dating from prehistoric times to the Silla period. Discovered in 1970, these rock carvings were the first of their kind in Korea and were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2025. From Neolithic geometric patterns to Bronze Age animal paintings and records (inscriptions) of visits by Silla royalty and Hwarang warriors, thousands of years of records are gathered in one place.
The rock face is tilted forward at an angle of approximately 15 to 25 degrees, naturally protecting the carved images from wind and rain. The ruins are broadly divided into upper and lower sections.
Top row (Prehistoric period)The artifact features geometric patterns such as concentric circles, rhombuses, and spirals, believed to date back to the Bronze Age, as well as illustrations of animals such as deer and fish, all engraved using the stippling technique.
Lower section (Silla period)These artifacts are characterized by their ironwork and fine line engravings (drawings with thin lines) and inscriptions from the Silla period. They depict aspects of the lifestyle of the time, such as sailing ships, horses, and mounted processions.
Silla inscriptionApproximately 300 Chinese characters are inscribed on it, including records of visits by King Sabuji Galmun, the younger brother of King Beopheung (525, 539), and the names of Hwarang warriors. It is considered a core historical source for the study of Silla history.
The ruins are open year-round and admission is free. It's a great place to stroll along the "Daegokcheon Ancient Road," which leads to the Ulju Bangudae Rock Carvings.
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