The Direction of Studies in the Korean Archaeology

Abstract

In the last 60 years, Korean archaeology has largely developed externally. But the method and theory in Korean archaeology was not discussed to any extent internally. In this article, the following problems of the direction of studies in the Korean archaeology are discussed,<BR> Firstly, I considered the concept, the purpose, and the identity of archaeology. The concept and the purpose of archaeology have changed as the archaeology has developed. The first role of archaeology was to describe past cultures, but currently it is to explain them. And it was considered the purpose of Korean archaeology. One of the purpose of Korean archaeology is to reconstruct past culture through material remains which is same with general purpose. In addition to this, they are to study the origin and unique creation of Korean culture and to study the territory of Korea and the relationship with the foreign culture. Archaeology now does not belong to history or anthropology, but archaeology is archaeology itself.<BR> Secondly, some problems such as process of study, basic assumptions, and philosophical discussion are considered. One of the basic assumptions is that all types of human behaviors left material remains, others are the evolutional thinking as materials’ progress and the concept of uniformitarianism came from geology. The philosophical discussion in archaeology improved the level of explanation on the past culture, and reached almost same level with other disciplines.<BR> Lastly, I considered the direction of the studies in Korean archaeology on aspects of studies and reality. In aspects of studies, It was considered the establishment of the system in archaeological studies and the enlargement of subfield in archaeology. Specially understanding of archaeological studies and discussions about method and theory of archaeology are more needed. In aspects of reality, it was considered some subjects such as the role of institutions, conservation of sites, management of museums, and public archaeology. The cooperation between archaeological institutions and the participation to public activities should be needed.<BR> Until now, I think that Korean archaeology did not get out of the traditional archaeology. Therefore, It is more prudent ways to improve constantly the method and theory needed in Korean archaeology rather than to follow recklessly the trend of world archaeology.