600 Neol Tombs Unveil Ancient History of Goryeong Gaya, Silla, and Baekje... Excavation Begins at Sangju Hamchang Obongsan Tumuli Cluster

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] Approximately 600 'pit tombs' dating from the late Bronze Age to the Iron Age are expected to unveil the veil of ancient history.

On the 7th, Sangju City in Gyeongbuk held a traditional ritual at the Hamchang Obongsan Burial Mounds and commenced an academic excavation survey to identify the structure and characteristics of large burial mounds.

This ritual was held to inform the start of the excavation survey to the 'Mountain Spirit' and 'Earth God' of Obongsan and the local residents, and to pray for the safety of the investigation team.

About 50 people, including officials from Gyeongsangbuk-do and Sangju City and local residents, attended.

The academic excavation survey targets are the areas around Ian-ri, Ian-myeon, and Sinheung-ri, Hamchang-eup.

Through a basic survey of the Obongsan Burial Mounds conducted from 2018 to 2019, it was confirmed that about 600 burial mounds are distributed on Obongsan.

This survey is being conducted by the Gyeongbuk Cultural Foundation's Cultural Heritage Research Institute, with the budget secured by Gyeongsangbuk-do and Sangju City.

The research institute began investigating the Ian-ri pit tombs last September. Starting this month, four of the largest burial mounds within the Sinheung-ri burial mound cluster in Hamchang will be selected for excavation.

This survey, which will continue until the end of June next year, aims to confirm traces of the ancient Goryeong Gaya Kingdom mentioned in historical records through phased investigations.

It is expected to clarify the characteristics of ancient history in the Hamchang area, including its relation to Silla and Baekje.

Sangju City plans to prepare proper restoration and maintenance measures for the burial mound cluster based on the survey results and hold on-site explanatory sessions open to the public depending on the outcomes.

Mayor Kang Young-seok of Sangju said, "I believe the nature of the Hamchang Obongsan Burial Mounds will be revealed," and added, "Along with the Byeongpungsan Burial Mounds, an important cultural heritage of the region, we will promote national designation of Obongsan Burial Mounds as a historic site."

He also added, "We expect this survey to yield results that can serve as an academic foundation for the preservation and maintenance project of the Obongsan Burial Mounds."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.