GIMPO, Feb. 2 (Korea Bizwire) – A Neolithic period settlement site recently discovered in the city of Gimpo is set to be recognized as a cultural heritage site of Gyeonggi Province.
The city of Gimpo announced plans on February 1 to request the cultural heritage designation for the Sinan-ri Neolithic site from Gyeonggi Province.
Excavations conducted between 2019 and 2022 near the historic site of Deokpojin in the Sinan-ri area, covering 4,040 square meters, unearthed 35 dwelling sites along with 261 artifacts including comb-pattern pottery, grinding stones, and stone plates.
This marks the first instance in the lower Han River region where Neolithic dwelling sites have been found at such a high density, according to Gimpo officials.
The discovered dwellings varied in size, measuring between 3.5 to 6.4 meters in length and 3.8 to 5.4 meters in width, with structures such as entrances relatively well-preserved.
Traces of burned pillars, hearths, and pillar holes were found inside the dwellings, suggesting they date back to the early to middle Neolithic period (3700-3400 BCE).
Most Neolithic dwelling sites found in Korea to date have been around 50 cm deep, but those in Sinan-ri are exceptionally well-preserved, with depths reaching up to 1 meter.
The city of Gimpo plans to conduct further excavations over an additional 1,200 square meters in the Sinan-ri area this year, raising the likelihood of discovering more significant sites.
Choi Ki-sik from the Gyeonggang Cultural Heritage Research Institute, which conducted the excavations, noted, “The Sinan-ri Neolithic site is attracting attention from the academic community due to the high proportion of well-preserved original forms and insights into ancient lifestyles it offers. Depending on the results of further excavations, it could become one of the largest Neolithic sites in the country with intact dwelling structures.”
Alongside this year’s excavation, Gimpo plans to hold academic seminars on the Sinan-ri Neolithic site and apply for its designation as a cultural heritage site by Gyeonggi Province in the latter half of the year.
The city is also exploring the development of a historical park and exhibition hall in the Sinan-ri area, drawing inspiration from prehistoric sites like Amsa-dong in Seoul, Oido in Gyeonggi, and Osan-ri in Gangwon.
A Gimpo official stated, “The Sinan-ri site showcases the rich history of Gimpo. We aim to provide citizens with opportunities to experience the prehistoric era and learn about history by developing a historical park and exhibition hall.”
Image credit: Gimpo city / photonews@koreabizwire.com
