[국가유산지킴이기자단] Amsadong Prehistoric Site

최종편집 2026-04-20(월)

[교육연합신문=최하영 학생기자]

Located in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, the Amsadong Prehistoric Site came to light during the great flood of 1925, known as the Eulchuk Year Flood. As part of the floodplain of the Han River, the area had been repeatedly affected by seasonal flooding. The powerful current eventually eroded the soil and exposed evidence of Neolithic life beneath.

Full-scale archaeological investigation began in the 1960s. In 1966, Korea University conducted the first survey. Two years later, during the construction of a baseball training field for Jangchung High School, residential remains were uncovered. This led to a joint excavation by several universities. In 1971, the National Museum of Korea launched a major excavation project to identify the characteristics of Neolithic culture in Korea.

Excavations carried out through 1975 revealed pit dwellings, comb-pattern pottery, net sinkers, grinding stones, and artifacts from the Baekje period. These findings offered insight into prehistoric culture along the Han River, extending beyond simple artifact collection.

In the 1980s, the site was also investigated for educational purposes. From 1983 to 1984, the Seoul National University Museum re-excavated areas previously studied by the National Museum. In 1998, additional dwellings were uncovered during the expansion of the site’s education center. In the 2000s, further investigations were conducted to develop an experiential village for visitors. Trial and full-scale excavations were carried out in the northern section by Seoul National University(2005) and Kyung Hee University(2008).

In 2015, a test excavation for park improvement confirmed layers from both the Neolithic and Three Kingdoms periods. From 2016 to 2018, further excavations revealed round pit houses with central hearths from the Neolithic era, as well as Baekje-era dwellings layered on top. Notably, ornaments made of jade and obsidian were discovered for the first time at the site.

To date, a wide variety of artifacts such as comb-pattern pottery, grinding tools, axes, net sinkers, and charred acorns have been unearthed. These findings serve not only as archaeological evidence but also as educational resources that vividly illustrate the lifestyle, environment, and technology of Korea’s Neolithic people.

Situated in the heart of Seoul, the Amsadong site continues to serve as a valuable space for reflecting on the origins of human life. Far from being a relic of the past, it remains a place where ancient history meets the present.

Currently, special exhibitions are being held to mark the 100th anniversary of the site’s discovery, alongside interactive programs for children such as the Prehistoric Experience Class. Participation is highly recommended.