Dong-A University Seokdang Museum Achieves Korea's First Decoding of Ancient Korean Peninsula Dog Genome

Korea-Japan International Joint Research Utilizing 2,000-Year-Old Dog Bones

Clues to the Origins of Native Korean Dog Breeds Revealed in International Journal PLOS ONE

Seokdang Museum at Dong-A University (President Lee Hae-woo), under the direction of Director Lee Seung-hye, has achieved a milestone by decoding the entire genome (whole genome) of ancient dogs from the Korean Peninsula for the first time in Korea through an international collaborative study utilizing ancient dog bones in its collection.

On May 11, Dong-A University announced that the research results were recognized for their academic value and published in the international academic journal 'PLOS ONE', which is listed in the Science Citation Index (SCI).

This study was a Korea-Japan international collaboration involving the Seokdang Museum at Dong-A University, the National Gaya Heritage Research Institute, the Conservation Science Division of the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, and the Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI) in Japan. The research utilized bones from four ancient dogs, approximately 2,000 years old, excavated from the Neukdo site in Sacheon, Gyeongnam, and the Bonghwang-dong site in Gimhae. These excavations were conducted by Seokdang Museum from 1998 to 2001.

According to the research team's analysis, present-day representative native Korean dog breeds such as the Jindo, Sapsaree, and Donggyeongi possess about 50-70% Western Eurasian genetic ancestry. However, the proportion of Western Eurasian genes in ancient dog populations of the Korean Peninsula was relatively lower. This suggests that, over time, various exchanges and migrations gradually introduced Western Eurasian genes, ultimately influencing the formation of today's native dog populations.

Furthermore, statistical analysis showed the highest correlation with the Japanese wolf lineage, and new evidence was found that there may have been some genetic exchange with wolf populations in Korea and China as well.

This study is being recognized as an example of how artifacts that Seokdang Museum has excavated and preserved over an extended period are now demonstrating both academic and practical value through advanced genomic research.

Lee Seung-hye, Director of Seokdang Museum, stated, "We will continue to expand the scientific analysis and research of our collection and produce diverse academic achievements through collaboration with domestic and international research institutions."

As part of the Glocal University 30 Project, Seokdang Museum is pursuing the 'B-Heritage Digital Resource Project' and is strengthening its joint research capabilities, including the signing of a business agreement with the National Gaya Heritage Research Institute.

Dong-A University Seokdang Museum.

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