Exploring the Hwasun Dolmens

I recently explored the site of the Hwasun Dolmens, where history and nature intertwine. Nestled near the waterfalls between Hyosan-ri, Dogok-myeon and Daesin-ri, Chunnyang-myeon in Hwasun County, South Jeolla Province, this site is a testament to ancient ingenuity and cultural significance. What inspired me most at the Hwasun site is the sheer abundance within such a compact district, boasting an impressive total of 596 dolmens, including Korea's largest capstone of a dolmen.

Dolmens in the "Old World" are geographically dispersed across Northern Europe, Western Europe, the Mediterranean coast, India and Southeast Asia. They are also found on the Korean Peninsula and adjacent areas such as the eastern coast and northeastern regions of China, as well as the Kyushu region in southwestern Japan.

Among these, most of the dolmens in Korean Peninsula and Liaoning region of China were constructed by prehistoric Korean inhabitants during the Bronze Age (1500-500 B.C.). It has also been revealed that the dolmens found in Japan were spread from the southern region of Korean Peninsula.

The Korean Peninsula is home to approximately 30,000 dolmens, which account for 80 percent of all dolmens in Asia. These dolmens are the oldest in Asia, indicating that their construction developed independently. This suggests that the peninsula can be considered the center of the dolmen culture in Asia. Among the dolmens around the world, dolmen clusters in the Hwasun, Gochang and Gangwha areas have the highest density, a variety of types and relatively abundant artifacts. The Hwasun dolmen culture provides invaluable materials for understanding the cultural evolution from egalitarian societies to stratified societies in the course of Korean history.

Furthermore, the dolmen sites reflect not only the social organization of humanity during the megalithic culture period but also the spiritual world of prehistoric people in relation to nature. For these reasons, the dolmen clusters in these three regions were recognized for their outstanding universal value with authenticity and integrity, and they were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000.

Walking among these monumental structures at dolmen sites, I have felt profound respect for our ancestors who built them without advanced machinery. The dolmens evoke in me a sense of silent witness to their creators' lives, offering a tangible link to the distant past. The Hwasun Dolmens are a remarkable cultural treasure, known for a high density of well-preserved dolmens, more than 500 of them, making it significant for both historical study and cultural appreciation.

If we lack knowledge about ancient dolmens, we risk neglecting these precious cultural heritage sites without even realizing it, merely dismissing them as mere huge rocks.

Korean dolmens are classified into three main types. The first, the "northern type" or tablet-shaped dolmen, is found mainly north of the Han River. It features four upright stone slabs forming a cube, topped by a large flat capstone that protrudes on all sides. The burial chamber is inside the cube at ground level, making this type prone to damage from environmental changes and human activities. The second, the "southern type" or Chinese go table dolmen, is primarily south of the Han River. It has an underground burial chamber with walls made of stone slabs or rock piles. Above ground, rows of boulders support the capstone. The third, unsupported by the capstone dolmen, is similar to the southern type in its burial chamber structure.

The dolmens are more than historical artifacts; they are a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of ancient cultures. As we continue to study and appreciate these structures, we must ensure they remain protected for future generations to explore and learn from.

Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist for The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co. and founding director of the Korean-Swedish Association.