Jangsu County Uncovers Largest Mahan Settlement Site in Upper Geum River Region

63 Residential Sites and 10 Ground Building Sites Identified
Largest Mahan Settlement Discovered in the Upper Geum River Region

Jangsu County in Jeonbuk confirmed the largest Mahan settlement in the upper Geum River region during a preliminary survey of the Cheoncheon-Jangsu IC connecting road construction section on September 2.

Jangsu County in Jeonbuk confirmed the largest Mahan settlement in the upper Geum River region during a preliminary survey of the Cheoncheon Jangsu IC connecting road construction section on the 2nd. Photo by Jangsu County

According to the county on September 3, this survey was conducted through a contract with the Jeolla Cultural Heritage Research Institute (headed by Kim Miran), covering an area of 9,814 square meters for trial excavation and 5,780 square meters for full excavation at "Jangsu Chimgok-ri Relic Scattering Site G" in 10-1, Hwayang-ri, Gaenam-myeon. The investigation focused on buried cultural heritage.

The excavation uncovered 63 residential sites presumed to be Mahan settlements from the Proto-Three Kingdoms period, 10 ground building sites, 8 pit features, and 3 pit tombs. This is considered the largest Mahan settlement ever identified in the Jangsu area.

Although the site has undergone significant changes in topography, it is estimated that the settlement was much larger during its period of occupation than the area currently identified.

The residential sites were mostly rectangular in plan, with some oval shapes also found. Inside, clay stoves, main posts, wall openings, and large oval pit features were identified. Artifacts unearthed include egg-shaped pottery, deep bowls, steamers, jars, bowls, ring-footed pottery, as well as a small number of iron objects, spindle whorls, and comma-shaped jade moldings.

In particular, a large number of gray hard pottery pieces engraved with line patterns and stone tool impressions were discovered, suggesting that the settlement was formed and operated during the 4th to 5th centuries.

This site clearly demonstrates the characteristics of Mahan-style residential structures and is considered an important resource for research into Mahan settlements in eastern Jeonbuk and for verifying the historical significance of the Jangsu area.

Additionally, the southeastern slope of Mamusan, where the site is located, is a key point in the water system where the Yucheon and Janggycheon streams merge and flow into the Geum River, highlighting its status as an ancient transportation and production hub.

County Governor Choi Hunsik stated, "This excavation once again confirms that the county was a central region in ancient society," adding, "We will use this opportunity to widely promote the identity and value of Jangsu County, befitting its status as a five-time recipient under the Special Act on Historic and Cultural Zones."

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