Dongsam-dong Shell Midden, Archaeological site in Yeongdo District, South Korea
The Dongsam-dong Shell Midden is an archaeological site on the west coast of Yeong-do Island in Busan, characterized by layers of discarded mollusk shells mixed with human artifacts and remains. The location preserves evidence of continuous settlement spanning thousands of years, with materials spread across distinct time periods.
Shells and debris accumulated at this location over thousands of years, with the earliest layers dating to around 8000 BC and extending to roughly 2000 BC. Excavations beginning in 1969 by the National Museum of Korea established this as one of the oldest Jeulmun period sites in the southern Korean peninsula.
The site yielded three distinct types of pottery - patternless, comb-patterned, and appliqué patterned - along with bone and stone tools from ancient settlements.
The site is located on Yeong-do Island near the waterfront, accessible by local public transportation. Visitors should come prepared for an outdoor location and be aware that coastal conditions can change with the tide.
Pottery found here displays three distinct decorative styles - plain, comb-marked, and applique-patterned - reflecting different craft traditions of early inhabitants. This variety suggests that early communities exchanged ideas and techniques across settlements.
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