An investigation team excavated relics in Amsa-dong, eastern Seoul, hinting at intercultural exchange activities that occurred during the Neolithic period. Gangdong-gu Office on Friday announced the academic excavation, sponsored by the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) and the Seoul city government, found various remains that could shed light on these activities.
This finding comes after 40 years of suspended investigation for research, since the National Museum of Korea investigated in the 1970s. The investigation targeted a 1,200-square-meter residential area, south of the Amsa-dong historical landmark.
In the last two years, it excavated around 2,000 types of relics, including comb-pattern pottery. Also included in the discovery were relics that may be used for research into exchanges that occurred during the Neolithic Era.
"Among the findings, jade jewelry found last year and an obsidian tool found this year were the most significant," said Yoon Hee-jin, the curator at the Gangdong-gu Office Prehistoric Remains Division.
Yoon explained because these relics are rarely found in this region, they are likely to have come from other countries. Further research is necessary to understand the details of these interactions.
The investigation team also found eight residential areas here from the Neolithic era and five from the Three Kingdoms period, last year.
"These residences were hit by a blaze _ people evacuated, leaving behind remnants that are useful for research," Yoon explained. "These houses may be restored and later opened for the public."