Daegok-ri Dinosaur Footprint Fossil

Overview

The Daegok-ri Dinosaur Tracksite, located along the Daegokcheon Stream, features over 20 fossilized footprints of dinosaurs from the Early Cretaceous period (approx. 100 million years ago). This site is particularly significant because it shows clear trackways of both herbivorous sauropods and ornithopods, suggesting they once roamed this sub-tropical savanna peacefully in search of food and water.

History

These fossils are part of the Gyeongsang Supergroup, a geological layer rich in Mesozoic history. Designated as Ulsan Cultural Heritage Material No. 13 in 2000, the site gained further international attention when rare pterosaur (flying reptile) tracks were discovered nearby in 2017. The footprints are preserved on a large rock bed that was once a muddy riverside, providing direct evidence of the ancient ecosystem of the Korean Peninsula.

Things to see

Prehistoric traces and geological formations:

• **Sauropod & Ornithopod Tracks**: Large, rounded prints (60-80cm) of long-necked giants and smaller three-toed prints (24-40cm) of bird-footed dinosaurs.

• **Sedimentary Structures**: Look for 'ripple marks' and 'sun cracks' on the rocks, which show how the water flowed and the mud dried millions of years ago.

• **Daegokcheon Stream Scenery**: The fossils are located in a beautiful valley characterized by dramatic cliffs and lush bamboo groves, which also house the world-famous Bangudae Petroglyphs.

Things to do

Educational walking tours:

• Visit the **Ulsan Petroglyph Museum**: Start here to learn about the geological history of the area and see high-quality replicas before walking to the actual site.

• Take the **Bangudae Trail**: Walk the peaceful "Life of the Ancients" path that connects the dinosaur tracks to the Bangudae Petroglyphs (National Treasure No. 285).

• Try the **AR (Augmented Reality) Tour**: Use the local mobile app to see digital reconstructions of dinosaurs walking across the actual rock beds in real-time.