Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site
158 Amsa-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Go back in time about 6,000 years, and along the banks of the Han River where Seoul now sits, you’d find a small nomadic settlement where the earliest residents lived. Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site, the largest Neolithic settlement in Korea, gives visitors a glimpse into what life was like on the Peninsula up to about 1,000 BC.
The Basics
When the Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site was excavated in 1925, more than 20 pit sites were found alongside several kinds of pottery and stoneware shards, stone tools, and rudimentary farming equipment. Today, the site includes nine reconstructed conical mud-pit huts and two exhibition halls where many of the excavated artifacts are on display. Themed areas spaced throughout offer insight into the hunting and fishing practices of the Neolithic people, as well as how the site was excavated. You’ll also find dioramas depicting life in the Neolithic age and a short film outlining the history of the site.
Things to Know Before You Go
Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site is a must-visit for history buffs and families.
The site includes a cafeteria near the parking lot in front of the ticket booth.
While photography is permitted on the site, flash photography and the use of tripods are prohibited.
How to Get There
To get to Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site, take the Seoul Subway (line 8) to Amsa Station and leave through exit 1. From there it’s about a 15-minute walk to the entrance. Alternately, take bus 2 to the Amsa Prehistoric Settlement Site bus stop.
When to Get There
Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site is open for visitors Tuesdays to Sundays throughout the year. Show up first thing in the morning; admission is free before 9am.
A Journey Through Korea’s History
If you’re interested in the human history of the Korean Peninsula, be sure to visit the National Museum of Korea near the start of your trip. The exhibits tell the Korean story from prehistory through the Korean Empire to help put attractions like the Prehistoric Housing Site, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo Shrine, and Joseon Dynasty palaces into context.
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