Muju Dangsan-ri Beacon Site Preliminarily Designated as North Jeolla Provincial Monument

Recognized for Its Academic Value and Historical Significance

Muju County in North Jeolla Province announced on May 26 that the 'Muju Dangsan-ri Beacon Site' has been preliminarily designated as a provincial monument, recognizing its academic value and historical significance.

North Jeolla Province plans to collect public opinions and conduct a review by the Cultural Heritage Committee over a 30-day period, with the final designation scheduled for July.

Exterior view of Muju County Office. Provided by Muju County.

The Muju Dangsan-ri Beacon Site is an ancient beacon site (comprising three beacon mounds, a protective stone wall, a water collection facility, and a presumed fortress wall) located at approximately 420 meters above sea level on the upper ridge of San 2-beonji, Dangsan-ri, Muju-eup. The site was first identified in 2021 by Professor Kwak Janggeun of the National University of Gunsan, and since then, ongoing excavation and research have continued.

Pottery shards discovered at the foundations of Beacon Mounds 1 and 2 suggest that the site was constructed during the Three Kingdoms period.

In particular, the site is considered highly significant for research into the territorial boundaries and defense systems of the Three Kingdoms period, especially in relation to the Jugaegoseong and Daechari Tumuli Cluster areas along the Namdaecheon in Muju.

Additionally, the site is notable for its unique form and structure, featuring many elements not previously identified. It displays characteristics distinct from other beacon sites in the eastern mountainous region of North Jeolla Special Self-Governing Province, providing an opportunity to reevaluate the historical and cultural status of the ancient Muju area.

Hwang Inhong, the county governor, stated, "The Muju Dangsan-ri Beacon Site is a key resource for the study of ancient defensive facilities and regional history. Its designation as a provincial monument is based on the results of academic investigations conducted by the county over the past three years. We expect this will serve as an opportunity to preserve the archaeological and historical value of the Muju Dangsan-ri Beacon Site and to establish the region's historical and cultural identity."

He added, "We will continue our efforts to enhance the value of the site through ongoing research, as well as by pursuing its designation as a cultural heritage site and implementing systematic management."

The county plans to use this provincial monument designation as an opportunity to conduct comprehensive reviews, including academic excavations and studies of the site's connections with surrounding relics. Various strategies will also be explored for the preservation and utilization of the Dangsan-ri Beacon Site, such as establishing and improving the foundation for the formation of a historical and cultural zone, raising expectations for the site's future.

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