• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.305-321
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• 2022

The stone chamber tomb in Eungpyeong-ri, Buyeo, is a joint tomb that contains the bodies of two individuals. This paper investigates the relationship between the buried persons and the characteristics of the stone chamber tomb. Based on the geographical location, relics, and the excavated human bones, it was determined that the tomb was built during the Sabi Period of the Baekje Dynasty and that the buried individuals were most probably residents of high stature or government officials. To study the excavated bones, the remains were carefully collected and conservation was carried out. Before collecting samples from the human bones for the analytical research, the results of near-infrared analysis were used to collect the samples for the isotope analysis and DNA analysis. The most important issue when handling the excavation site was the reinforcing agent and the concentration of the agent used. In situations like this, Paraloid B-72 is the most suitable agent. When the shape of human bones was difficult to distinguish from the soil, conservation was performed using X-ray and CT imaging data. The same chemical used for the reinforcement of the site was used to complete a minimum level of conservation to the surface areas where the conservation treatment of removing foreign substances, the reinforcement areas, and bonded areas were carried out. The collagen yield from the sample obtained at selected position was 3.8% to 6.1%. The results of analyzing the stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen found in the extracted collagen showed that the stable isotope ratios came out to δ¹³C -18.3‰±0.1‰, -19.0‰±0.1‰ for EBW and δ¹⁵N 10.7‰±0.5‰, 10.6‰±0.1‰ for EBE. It is believed the two individuals consumed small amounts of minor cereals, mainly from C₃ plants, and protein was obtained from eating terrestrial animals. What's more, the deviations in data obtained from the two individuals were so small that it could be inferred that the individuals ate similar foods. Considering the preservation state of the sample, amplifying DNA for the DNA analysis would have been very difficult since the amount of surviving DNA was so deficient. For DNA analysis, it is anticipated that the results could be derived by applying improved extraction methods that will be developed in the future. In this research, any association between scientific analysis(DNA and stable isotope ratio) and near-infrared spectroscopy was difficult to establish. Further research is needed on the utilization of near-infrared analysis for gathering samples from human bones.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.68-84
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• 2014

The royal tombs of Baekje(백제), after the transfer of the capital to the Geumgang(riv)(금강) basin, changed to Songsanri(송산리) style(stone chamber) ${\rightarrow}$ Southern dynastic(남조) style(brick chamber) ${\rightarrow}$ Neungsanri(능산리) style(stone chamber). The most special feature of this process is the change of the ceiling structure. The ceiling had been changed from dome(Songsanri style) ${\rightarrow}$ tunnel ceiling(transition period of brick tombs and Neungsanri style) ${\rightarrow}$ a roof style(is Neungsanri style of three imitate type, trapezoid, triangle, flattened ceiling). The most special feature among this process is Neungsanri style(stone chamber), created especially in Baekje. The royal tombs of Baekje didn't lay stress on the mound, so the mound is not noticeable. It is result that they more stressed on basin of the boundary than showed off individual tomb, and this is count as an element of China Southern dynasty. Boundary of the royal tomb of Baekje, after the transfer of the capital to south, were changed from royal family's boundary to single independent's. Those are Songsanri's and Neungsanri's, these are the pair tombs(쌍릉) of Iksan(익산). That is influence of the Southern dynasty, reflect the theory of divination based on topography completely, this is influence of the China Sui(수) and the early Tang(당) dynasty's system of boundary of the royal tomb. Besides the royal tomb, they also buried a closely related person, in the boundary of the royal tomb. And facilities for memorial ceremony were existed too. An altar was equipped in Songsanri's boundary of the royal tomb, it was seen a kind of character of a sanctuary for progenitor. Neungsanri's boundary of the royal tomb were equipped with an open-aired altar that performed memorial ceremony about communal royal tombs, and also equipped a temple, was needed to pray for the happiness of the dead. This structure and arrangement are very similar to Seoakdong(서악동) of Silla(신라).

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.119-128
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• 2018

This study revealed the material composition and characteristics of 19 glass fragments excavated from stone chamber No. 1 of Jeongchon Tomb in Naju through chemical composition analyses and observations. These characteristics were compared with the characteristics of the glass fragments excavated from No. 3 tomb of Bogam-ri in Naju. The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of the ancient glass of the Mahan-Baekje period. The glass fragments excavated from the Jeongchon Tombs can be classified into purplish blue, light-purplish blue, greenish blue, green, and mixture of purple blue and purple, based on their color. These beads were made using a drawn and casting technique. In addition, blue glass fragments were primarily excavated form No. 3 tomb of Bogam-ri. However, red glass fragments were not excavated from either of the tombs. According to chemical composition analyses, soda glass group and potash glass group were common in both the tombs. Additionally, alkali mixed glass group and lead barium glass group were excavated from Jeongchon Tombs and No. 3 tomb of Bogam-ri, respectively. The glass fragments excavated from No. 3 tomb of Bogam-ri have more color variations than those excavated from Jeongchon Tombs.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.44-67
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• 2016

This article studied the character of Bogamri group and trends in the surrounding area through recently excavated stone chambers. The first type of stone chamber constructed at Bogamni cemetry was Northen Kyushu style stone chamber tomb with corridor. However, According to recent survey Wa style vertical stone lined tomb had constructed earlier than these stone chamber along the southwest cost. It is likely that the background of these Wa style stone tomb was the beginning of formal diplomatic relations between Baekje and Wa. At first, grave goods as well as burial had been Wa style, but gradually local burial element and mortuary practices added. And large tomb had beginning to appear. The representative tombs are Yeongam Okyari Jangdong tomb and Naju Gaheugni Shinhueng tomb. They were built in the middle of the fifth century. It is most likely that the location was selected with regard to the use or securing of inland waterway. But the next step, Yeongsangang river style stone chamber with corridor had constructed at Jeongchon tomb. That tomb is very close to Bogamni tombs and structure and grave goods are very similar also. So these two groups were considered to be the same community. Hereby, It is believed that the inland waterway using power had been turned over to Bogamni group. Bogamni group had constantly constructed stone chamber until seventh century. This represent that Bogamni group had thrived as a leading force in the Yeongsangang river basin. After under the direct control of Baekje, Bogamni group had continued the close relationship with Wa. For this reason, Bogamni group had influenced southwest cost as well as Yeongsangang river basin. It can be estimated by the Bogamni style stone chamber founded at islands of Shinan.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.214-232
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• 2023

Stromatolite at the Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan was designated as a natural monument in December 2009 because it was very excellent in terms of rarity, accessibility, preservation and scale. From the time of designation, the necessity of confirming the lateral extension of the stromatolite beds with the excavation of the surrounding area, and preparing a preservation plan was raised. Accordingly, the Cultural Heritage Administration conducted an investigation of the scale, production pattern, and weathering state of stromatolites with an excavation from April to December 2022, and based on this, suggested natural heritage values and conservation and use plans. The excavation was carried out in a 1,186m² area surrounding the exposed hemispherical stromatolite (approximately 30m2). Stromatolites are continuously distributed over the entire excavation area, and hemispherical stromatolites predominate in the eastern region, and the distribution and size of hemispherical domes tend to decrease toward the west. These characteristics are interpreted as a result of long-term growth in large-scale lakes, where stratiform or small columnar domes continued to grow and connect with each other, finally forming large domes. Consequently, large and small domes were distributed on the bedding plane in clusters like coral reefs. The growth of plants and lichens, as well as small-scale faults and joints developed on the stromatolite bedding surface, is the main cause of accelerated weathering. However, preservation treatment with chemicals as with dinosaur footprints or dinosaur egg fossil sites is not suitable due to the characteristics of stromatolites, and preservation with the installation of closed protection facilities should be considered. This excavation confirmed that the distribution, size and value of stromatolites are much larger and higher than at the time of designation as a natural monument. Therefore, additional excavation of areas by experts that could not be excavated due to the discovery of buried cultural properties (stone chamber tombs) and reexamination of the expansion designation of natural monuments are required.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.748-766
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• 2021

The Iksan Ssangneung (twin tombs), a pair of tombs comprising the Daewangneung (large royal tomb) and the Sowangneung (small royal tomb), were constructed in the typical style of stone tunnel and chamber tombs in the Baekje Kingdom during the Sabi period (538 to 660 AD) of ancient Korea. Soil layers exposed during excavation of Sowangneung in a trench east of the tomb are: the bottommost layer, the ground level layer, the Panchuk (rammed earth) layer of the Baekje, the layer created by a grave robbery, and soil recovered during the Japanese colonial period. Soil samples were obtained by segmenting an easy stratigraphic horizon into sub categorized soil layers, and their material properties were analyzed; they are composed mainly of sandy loam based on the particle size distributions. In the site foundation, loamy sand is packed in the bottommost layer, and sandy loam with high sand and silty sand fills most of the overlying layer. The central and topmost portion of the Baekje layer is composed of loam with high clay content. All soil layers show geochemical behaviors similar to those of the bottommost layer. X-ray diffraction analysis verified kaolinite in all layers, also observed in soil layers displaying high crystallinity. Kaolinite and halloysite were identified by scanning electron microscopy. Thus, we conclude that the Baekje layer of the Sowangneung is composed of sandy loam containing kaolin procured from near the site. An impermeable middle to upper layer was created using viscous loam. The top of the tomb was closed tightly.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.170-203
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• 2018

From the period of Japanese colonialism up to the present, the researchers of archaeology and ancient history in Korea and Japan have paid much attention to the Honam area. Recently the ruins and relics of Wae lineage are often discovered at archaeological excavation sites in this region. In particular, at least 17 keyhole-shaped mounds were confirmed. The fact that three mounds were built on one site was newly revealed. Haniwa, a representative earthenware object of the Kofun period in Japan, was discovered as well. Therefore, the study of a historical meaning of archaeological materials about Wae lineage in the Honam area thus far must be reexamined. The ruins and relics of Wae lineage in the Honam area have been studied by selecting only specific cases. I identified all the ruins and relics of Wae lineage in the Honam area and analyzed the process of their change in this paper. I reviewed the relationship between Wae and Mahan, and the purpose of their negotiation based on archaeological characteristics, changing processes, and historical records on a quarterly basis. The ruins and relics of Wae lineage have increased and widely spread since the early period of the 5th century in the Honam area. This tendency continued until the late period of the 6th century. Weapons of Wae lineage were introduced and tombs in the style of Wae were built from the late 4th century to the early period of the 5th century (TG232~TK216 period). Sueki was introduced from the middle to late period of the 5th century (TK208~TK23 period). Keyhole-shaped mounds and tombs in the style of Wae were built from the late period of the 5th century to the early period of the 6th century (TK47~MT15 period). Japanese weapons were introduced from the middle to late period of the 6th century (TK10~TK209 period). In other words, the archaeological appearance is different in each quarterly period. There was an intensive diplomatic relationship between Baekje and Wae in the TG232~TK216 period. The military might be included in a mission of Wae. The materials of Wae lineage of this period are likely to be related to this. Sueki spread to the inland part of the Honam area in the TK208~TK23 period. This Sueki tends to be excavated on advantageous sites for the accumulation and distribution of supplies. The main characters of the keyhole-shaped mounds are presumed to be a group of traders which were under the control of a certain influence in the north of Kyushu. The keyhole-shaped mounds were abruptly built at some distance from mounds of the leaders in the Honam area. Additionally, there was no special influence base to which the characters of the keyhole-shaped mounds belonged in the surroundings. However, it might have been impossible for the group of traders to build the keyhole-shaped mounds without the support from the residents at all because there was a big difference in the building technology of the keyhole-shaped mounds between Japan and the Honam area. The time of building some keyhole-shaped mounds is the same or almost the same with that of the mounds built for the regional leaders. This proves a close relationship with the residents as well. What do the archaeological materials of Wae lineage which have been used and buried mean over 200 years in the Honam area? Geumgwan Gaya, which had exported iron resources to Japan, perished in the early period of the 5th century. Instead of Gaya, the Honam area might have played an important role to supply the necessary resources to Japan. We assume that the Japanese (Wae) actively worked to acquire various resources focusing on the underground resources in the Honam area.