Seoul Amsadong Prehistoric Settlement

About this place

The Seoul Amsadong Prehistoric Settlement, one of Korea's most representative Neolithic sites, is located along the Han River facing Achasan Fortress. Three distinct cultural layers have been identified, and radiocarbon dating places the site between 4,000–3,000 BC. Excavations have uncovered more than 40 pit-house floors along with associated features and stone mound facilities. The traces of Neolithic people who lived by fishing and gathering along the Han River remain well preserved. The pit-house floors are round or rectangular with rounded corners, measuring roughly 5–6 m in length and 70–100 cm in depth. A stone-lined hearth is visible at the center of each dwelling, with the entrance typically facing south. Post holes—usually four in number—suggest corner posts supporting a roof. Many comb-pattern (jeulmun) pottery sherds with pointed bases were found, along with stone axes, net sinkers, and charred acorns. The site is the largest village-scale Neolithic site yet confirmed in Korea, and many artifacts providing insight into daily life of the period have been unearthed.