Shell Midden on Yokjido Island, Tongyeong

A shell midden (paechong) is a mound built up from shells and other refuse discarded by prehistoric people. At this site, a wide range of artefacts has been excavated dating from the Mesolithic through to the Neolithic period. The midden has yielded large quantities of material that serve as useful markers for distinguishing phases of the Neolithic — showing the transition from chipped stone tools to polished stone tools, the change from obsidian tools to tools with sawtooth edges, and developments in tools and ornaments. In particular, microliths found here are important evidence that a Mesolithic period also existed in Korea. At Donghang-ri, Neolithic stone-mound features and artefacts were excavated, and beneath the stone mound two sets of human remains were found. One of these was well preserved and has become important material for the study of Neolithic human physical characteristics. The Yokjido shell midden is an important site for research into Neolithic burial customs and for clarifying the Neolithic culture of the southern coastal region. Many other shell middens have also been found nearby, including the Sangnodae-do shell midden.

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Where it is

Region

Tongyeong, Gyeongnam

Designation

Provincial Monument · 시도기념물