Hampyeong Yedeokri Tomb Cluster Designated as Historic Site

Fourteen Mahan Tombs from the 3rd to 5th Centuries

Discovery of Residential Remains and Ritual Wooden Posts

The National Heritage Administration announced on May 14 that it has designated the "Hampyeong Yedeokri Tomb Cluster," also known as the "Mangachon Tomb Cluster," as a Historic Site.

Hampyeong Yedeok-ri Tumuli Cluster.

This is a group of fourteen tombs from the Mahan period, constructed from the late 3rd century to the early 5th century. Traditional Mahan trapezoidal tombs are densely distributed in the upper reaches of the Gomagwon Stream, a tributary of the Yeongsan River.

Trial excavations conducted three times since 1994 have revealed two construction methods: "horizontal expansion," which adds tombs laterally, and "vertical expansion," which stacks tombs on top of each other. The excavations also confirmed the unique Mahan multi-burial practice of creating multiple burial facilities within a single mound, as well as changes in burial methods. The National Heritage Administration explained that "these burial facilities illustrate the transformation from early wooden coffin tombs to large jar coffin tombs."

Within the site, seven residential remains, two earthenware kiln sites, and two cultivation areas were discovered, along with nine ritual wooden post holes in atypical earthen pits. Artifacts unearthed include various types of jade such as small comma-shaped beads, curved beads, and crystal beads, as well as iron tools such as sickles and small hoes, and numerous fragments of earthenware and pottery. These findings provide insight into the daily life, views of the afterlife, and religious beliefs of the Mahan people.

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