UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
Igeum-dong
South Korea

Igeum-dong

Megalithic cemetery and raised-floor buildings.

Location

Explore the Map

Historical Context

About

Igeum-dong is a significant prehistoric archaeological site in South Korea, dating to the Late Middle Mumun Pottery Period (c. 700–550 BCE). The site is known for its elaborate megalithic cemetery, which includes high-status burials and ritual altars made of cobbled pavements linking the graves. Notable artifacts such as Liaoning-style bronze daggers and greenstone ornaments have been uncovered here. The site also features two of the largest raised-floor buildings from Korean prehistory, which may have served as meeting places or elite dwellings. These structures and the spatial organization of the site into distinct zones for mortuary, feasting, and residential activities suggest the presence of a simple chiefdom, marking a critical stage in the sociopolitical development of early Korean societies.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations

FileGyeongbokgung_Palace.png
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history

Late Middle Mumun Occupation

c. 700 BCE

Construction of Megalithic Cemetery

c. 700 BCE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Defensive Structures

DitchesPalisades
category

Burial and Funerary Structures

Cemeteries
category

Religious and Ritual Structures

Altars
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Pit Houses
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore

Plan Your Visit

Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information

Reference

Details

Country

South Korea

Coordinates

34.95° N, 128.11° E