Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site, Seoul

The Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site in Seoul, representing Korea's prehistoric era, is a Neolithic site located along the banks of the Han River facing Achasanseong Fortress. Three cultural layers have been identified, and radiocarbon dating indicates the site spans from around 4,000 to 3,000 BC. Through multiple excavations, over 40 house sites, auxiliary facilities, and stone mound structures have been discovered. The site preserves traces of the lives of Neolithic people who lived by fishing and gathering along the Han River. The house pits are circular or square with rounded corners, measuring about 5–6 m in length and 70–100 cm in depth. Stone-lined hearths are visible in the center of the house sites, and entrances generally face south. Typically, four postholes are found, suggesting that pillars were erected at the corners to support the roof. Additionally, many comb-pattern pottery with pointed bottoms have been unearthed, along with stone axes, net sinkers, and charred acorns. The Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site is a representative Neolithic site of the Han River basin and is highly significant as the largest village-scale Neolithic site confirmed in Korea to date. Numerous artifacts that shed light on the lifestyle of the period have also been excavated.