Gochang Dolmens Site in South Korea

The city of South Korea is widely popular for the various historical sites. The one that catches the eye is the Gochang Dolmen's Site in South Korea. Dolmens are single chamber megalithic tombs and the structure consists of three or more stones in an upright position thereby supporting a large flat horizontal shaped capstone. The dolmens served the purpose of grave marking and ritual purposes. The use of the dolmens was prevalent in the first millennium BCE at a time when the Korean Peninsula was under the influence of the Megalithic culture.

The country of Korea is known to contain around 40% of the total number of dolmens in the world. A great chunk of the number is concentrated at the Gochang Dolmen's Site in South Korea. The use of the Dolmens ceased in Korea during the third century BCE.

Features of the Gochang Dolmen's Site in South Korea

  -   The Dolmens at the Gochang sites are prime source of information about the ruling class. Many varied relics like pottery, jewelry have been excavated from these dolmens.

  -   The rich culture of South Korea can be deciphered from the artifacts found from the Gochang dolmen's site. 442 dolmens unearthed here are classified on the basis of their capstone.

  -   The group of Dolmens found at this site is the largest and the most varied. They are popular by the name of Jungnim-ri dolmens and are found in the Maesan Village.

  -   The dolmens line from east to west and are located at the foothills of a series of a hill at an altitude of around fifteen to fifty meters.

  -   The dolmens found at the Gochang Dolmen's Site are 5.8 meters in length and weighs nearly 300 tons. They are believed to have come into existence in the seventh century CE.