UNESCO world heritage petroglyph site gets QR audio guide service

"The world's richest and most diverse collection of whale imagery is engraved right here, at the Bangudae Petroglyphs in Daegok-ri, Ulju."

Visitors standing at the observation deck in front of the Bangudae Petroglyphs in Daegok-ri, Ulju-gun, Ulsan — a UNESCO World Heritage site — can now scan a QR code with their smartphones to hear professional voice narration covering the Bangudae Petroglyphs and their survival through thousands of years of wind and rain, the whale depictions from the Neolithic era, and the stories behind the other animals, people and tools carved into the rock.

Ulsan city launched the QR audio guide service Sunday to mark the first anniversary of the inscription of "Petroglyphs of Bangucheon" on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

"Petroglyphs of Bangucheon" refers to a 3-kilometer stretch along Bangucheon stream in Ulju-gun, Ulsan, encompassing both the Bangudae Petroglyphs in Daegok-ri and the Inscriptions and Petroglyphs of Cheonjeon-ri.

At its 47th session on July 12 last year, the World Heritage Committee inscribed "Petroglyphs of Bangucheon" on the World Heritage List, saying the realistic depictions drawn with outstanding observational skill and their unique composition stand as "unparalleled evidence of the artistry of the people who lived on the Korean Peninsula."

The Bangucheon area holds a wide range of historical and cultural heritage spanning from dinosaur footprints dating back 100 million years to Joseon-era pavilions. Ulsan city has installed QR guide panels comprising 30 content items across 15 locations in the area, including the petroglyphs site itself as well as Jipcheongjong, Banggu Seowon and the memorial stele of Banggeo Seowon.

The content covers cultural heritage at the site along with natural heritage such as Bangudae, dinosaur footprints and the Dongmaesan wetlands, as well as stories connected to Jeong Mong-ju, the Goryeo scholar known by the pen name Poeun. Audio narration is accompanied by visual materials including photographs, diagrams and poetry to aid understanding.

Audio services in English, Chinese and Japanese are also available to serve the growing number of foreign tourists who have visited since the UNESCO inscription.

"The outdoor petroglyphs are best seen when sunlight hits them directly, so we introduced the QR code guide for visitors who cannot time their visit to catch that light," a city official said. "We hope the QR code service helps people enjoy the history and culture of the Bangucheon area in a more engaging way."