The government aims to set up a transparent protective covering around endangered prehistoric rock engravings in Ulsan, North Gyeongsang Province.

The Cultural Heritage Administration, Ulsan Metropolitan City, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Prime Minister's Office agreed on Sunday to erect the barrier around the Bangudae Petroglyphs.

The Prime Minister’s Office said the envisioned structure will keep the petroglyphs from being submerged and keep the surrounding scenery intact.

The Cultural Heritage Administration and the Ulsan Metropolitan City will be charged with jointly operating an assessment team comprised of experts that will carry out related inspections and safety checks.

The Bangudae Petroglyphs spend eight months a year under water of the Sayeon Dam since it was built in 1965. The prehistoric art was found in 1971 and designated as a national treasure in 1995.

The Cultural Heritage Administration and Ulsan Metropolitan City had previously been at odds over ways to preserve the ancient rock engravings.