To Cretaceous Ulsan 100 million years ago? Cheonjeon-ri Dinosaur Footprint Fossil, its mysterious time travel

Have you ever imagined becoming a time traveler and journeying to Ulsan in the Cretaceous period, 100 million years ago? In the distant past, here in Daegokcheon Stream in Ulsan, there was a vibrant habitat where giant dinosaurs roamed freely. The place that perfectly preserves those traces is the Cheonjeon-ri Dinosaur Footprint Fossil Site. As you follow the hundreds of footprints etched on the rocks, you’ll have a mysterious experience, as if you can hear the breathing of the dinosaurs.

This is not just a rock. It is a valuable natural history resource where the traces of life of medium to large-sized dinosaurs that lived in the Cretaceous period, about 100 million years ago, are perfectly preserved. The footprints clearly revealed on the rocks corresponding to the Daegu Formation of the Gyeongsang Supergroup in the Daegokcheon Stream allow us to vividly imagine what Ulsan looked like at that time.

Traces of Antiquity Reached by Traveling Back in Time

The Cheonjeon-ri Dinosaur Footprint Fossils hold a meaning beyond simply ‘old footprints’. Over 200 footprints have been identified on the rocks, including traces of ten sauropods, such as the large herbivorous dinosaur Hanaeryong (Ultrasaurus), and the footprint of one Goseongnyong (Goseongosaurus), which belongs to the iguanodontid ornithopods, a medium-sized herbivorous dinosaur. The fact that all these footprints are concentrated in a single stratum is astonishing in itself.

Who Walked Here?

• Large Herbivorous Dinosaurs: Footprints of 10 sauropod dinosaurs, including Hanaeryong (Ultrasaurus).
• Medium Herbivorous Dinosaurs: Footprint of 1 Goseongnyong (Goseongosaurus), belonging to the iguanodontid ornithopods.
• A total of over 200 diverse dinosaur footprints gathered in one place give us a glimpse into the ecosystem of that era.

Judging by the traces of the footprints, it can be seen that the dinosaurs did not move in a fixed direction but roamed freely. This clearly shows that this area was not merely a passage, but an active Life space for dinosaurs. Can’t you imagine the scene where they searched for food, bred, and lived their lives here?

A Special Way to Encounter Cretaceous Ulsan

If you visit the Cheonjeon-ri Dinosaur Footprint Fossils here, you can have a special experience beyond simple viewing. This is by utilizing the ‘Dinosaur Footprint Fossil AR App’. With just a smartphone, you can encounter Cretaceous dinosaurs in augmented reality right before your eyes. The vivid experience, as if live dinosaurs are passing by you, will create unforgettable memories for both children and adults.

Time Traveler’s Essential Item: How to Use the AR App

1. Download the App: Please install the ‘Dinosaur Footprint Fossil AR App’ on your smartphone before your visit.
2. On-site Execution: Run the app at the fossil site and point your camera at the rock.
3. Dinosaur Appearance: You can watch Cretaceous dinosaurs appear and move in augmented reality on your screen.
4. Take Photos Together: Create special memories by taking commemorative photos with the dinosaurs.

It is known that dinosaurs in the past lived in subtropical plains, rivers, and fields. Through this, it can be inferred that this area was a savanna region influenced by tropical trade winds in the distant past. How about taking a short trip into the hot and humid Cretaceous wilderness, quite different from today’s Ulsan?

Footprints Alongside the Scenery of Daegokcheon Stream

The Cheonjeon-ri Dinosaur Footprint Fossils are located at 318 Cheonjeon-ri, Dudong-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, situated on the riverside of Daegokcheon Stream, opposite the Cheonjeon-ri Petroglyphs. While not easily accessible, it preserves the original beauty of nature even more because of it. The surrounding green natural landscape and the clear waters of Daegokcheon Stream create a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.

Places to Visit Nearby?

• Cheonjeon-ri Petroglyphs: Prehistoric rock carvings designated as National Treasure. You can explore mysterious historical traces along with dinosaur footprints.
• Bangudae Petroglyphs: Another prehistoric rock carving designated as National Treasure. It is a valuable resource that offers a glimpse into the hunting life of the time, featuring whales, deer, and more.
• Ulsan Petroglyph Museum: A museum where you can get in-depth information about the Bangudae Petroglyphs and Cheonjeon-ri Petroglyphs.
• Oegosan Onggi Village: A place where you can see and experience the traditional Onggi (earthenware) making process. Unique souvenirs are also a good option.

It is more convenient to use a personal car rather than public transportation to get here, and parking spaces are available nearby. It is an excellent place to relax in nature and spend educational time with children. We hope you have the valuable experience of feeling the breath of the Cretaceous period and understanding the natural history of the Korean Peninsula.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Where are the Cheonjeon-ri Dinosaur Footprint Fossils located?
They are located at 318 Cheonjeon-ri, Dudong-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, and can be found on the riverside of Daegokcheon Stream, opposite the Cheonjeon-ri Petroglyphs. Using navigation is convenient.

Q2. What kind of dinosaur footprints can be seen?
Over 200 footprints have been identified, including those of sauropods, such as the large herbivorous dinosaur Hanaeryong (Ultrasaurus), and the medium-sized herbivorous dinosaur Goseongnyong (Goseongosaurus).

Q3. How do I use the Dinosaur Footprint Fossil AR App?
Before your visit, download the app, run it on-site, and point your smartphone camera at the fossil rocks to encounter dinosaurs in augmented reality.

Q4. Is there anything special I need to prepare for my visit?
Since the fossil site is outdoors, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes and charging your smartphone for the AR app experience. In summer, a hat or sunscreen can also be helpful.

Q5. Are there other attractions nearby worth visiting?
There are many historically and culturally rich attractions nearby, such as Cheonjeon-ri Petroglyphs, Bangudae Petroglyphs, Ulsan Petroglyph Museum, and Oegosan Onggi Village.