Deongmyeong dinosaur fossil site, Natural Monument fossil site in Goseong County, South Korea

Deongmyeong is a fossil site in the Goseong region of South Korea where researchers have uncovered thousands of footprints from the Cretaceous period. The impressions are preserved in rock layers and show different sizes and patterns left by various dinosaur and bird species.

Yang Seung-yeong first found the dinosaur footprints at Deongmyeong-ri on 29 January 1982. Detailed surveys then recorded about 360 footprints at 32 levels across 13 localities, while bird footprints came from 20 levels between Silbawi shore and Sangjogam. On 14 September 1999 the site was designated Natural Monument No. 411 of South Korea.

Local lore links Sangjokam, the rock outcrop at the site, to a legend of the Jade Emperor: he admired the cliff, sent down heavenly maidens with looms, and they wove golden robes for him without rest. Visitors can also stop at the Goseong Dinosaur Museum, which displays finds from the area.

Park at the Sangjogam County Park lot at 53-11, Deongmyeong 5-gil, Haimyeon, then follow the wooden boardwalk southwest to the shore. The fossil beds lie on tidal rock along the coast, so check tide times before walking out. The rock surface is uneven and slippery in places.

The bird footprints here form the largest Cretaceous bird-footprint site in the world, found across 20 rock layers between Silbawi shore and Sangjokam. Some layers hold bird and dinosaur tracks together, which lets researchers compare how both groups used the same coastal mudflats.