Stone Age Archaeological Sites in the Landscape. Monumentalisation of Sites on the South Korea Example

Abstract

The aim of the article is to show selected ways of presenting Stone Age archaeological sites in the landscape. The forms of prehistoric archaeological sites monumentalisation in South Korea served as an example here. Displaying Stone Age sites in the landscape is popular in Korea, especially where no remains of former human activity visible in the landscape have been preserved. Establishing reserves, museums and monuments nearby an explored archaeological site is very important for the majority of stakeholders in South Korea. Patriotic factor plays an important role here as for the society in general getting to know the oldest history of the Korean Peninsula is very important, due to the people’s attachment to their tradition and culture. The sites described in this article are among the best-known by the researchers and the general public in South Korea. The Sorori site, showing first attempts at rice domestication, was discovered thanks to site prospection carried out before the construction of an industrial complex. The Suyanggae site is the biggest Palaeolithic flint workshop located in the Korean Peninsula, discovered during the rescue excavations connected with construction of a dam on the South Han River. The Jeongok site – one of the most important sites in Eastern Asia due to the discovery of the first Acheulian-type handaxe outside the borders of the Movius line – was accidentally discovered by an American pilot from the nearby military base. All three sites of prehistoric human activity are very important for the world of science as well as for entities responsible for the protection of cultural heritage, being a model for ways of managing museums, reserves, and culture parks established at excavation sites. What is more, in the article a short presentation of developing rescue archaeology is provided, related to rapid industrialization of South Korea.