Geophysical Studies at the Horogoru Fortifi ed Settlement in South Korea

Geophysical Studies at the Horogoru Fortifi ed Settlement
in South Korea

DOI: 10.17746/1563-0110.2019.47.1.095-102

M.A. Stoyakin¹ and Park Kyujin^2
1National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, 132, Munji-ro, Yuseoung-gu, Daejeon, 34122, South Korea
²Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova 1, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia

The results of prospection studies at the medieval site Horogoru, in the Gyeonggi-do Province of South Korea, are described. Using ground-penetrating radar, the defense wall, built of tamped earth and masonry, was reconstructed. The analyses of GPR images and 3D-models of the wall were confirmed and supplemented by archaeological excavations. Prospection studies in the central part of the site have enabled us to assess tentatively the thickness of the habitation layer and its preservation. Structures associated with various archaeological cultures were analyzed. The results of excavations demonstrated a relative reliability of GPR, which had revealed anomalies at various depths. However, an accurate and complete assessment of the outlines of most structures proved impossible, owing to repeated medieval rebuilding, peculiar accumulation processes, and modern disruption. The GPR analysis of the anomalies indicated several stages of habitation. Early features, dating to the Koguryo period (400-700 AD), include a reservoir and a well, and next to these, heaps of roof tiles. Late features, dating to the Koryo stage (1000-1200 AD), include seven buildings, a stone pavement, and pits with roof tiles. Overall, the results demonstrate the efficiency of geophysical methods for the assessment of the site’s structure and of the preservation of its cultural layers.

Keywords: South Korea, Koguryo, Koryo, Middle Ages, fortified settlement, GPR