Sacheon's Neukdo Island Re-examined: Report Highlights Ancient Trade Hub

Neukdo Island in Sacheon City, once a bustling international trade hub during the early Gaya period, is gaining renewed attention thanks to a report by the Gyeongnam Research Institute. The island, spanning 0.56 square kilometers between Sacheon City and Namhae County, flourished for over 400 years from the 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE.

Excavations at Neukdo have unearthed a complex of tombs and dwellings, including what is believed to be the oldest ondol (heated floor) facility in southern Korea. Discovered in 1979, the site was designated a Gyeongnam Provincial Monument in 1985 and later elevated to a historic site in 2003.

The artifacts recovered from Neukdo paint a picture of extensive maritime exchange. "Neukdo-style pottery," characterized by triangular applied rims from the early Iron Age, is prevalent. Notably, large jars similar to those found in Samyang-dong, Jeju Island, have been identified. The significant presence of Yayoi pottery, originating from Japan, suggests the possibility of Japanese residents living on the island.

Furthermore, Chinese artifacts, including 화분형 pottery, bronze arrowheads, bronze mirrors, and currency like Banryangjeon and Wushu-qian from the Lelang and Han commanderies, indicate Neukdo's role as a crucial trade nexus linking China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan. However, the island experienced a sudden decline around the 1st century CE, followed by a 200-year gap in the archaeological record. Potential causes include shifts in maritime navigation, the rise of neighboring political entities, or the spread of infectious diseases, as evidenced by skeletal remains showing signs of tuberculosis.

Ko Min-jung, a senior researcher at the Gyeongnam Research Institute, stated, "The Neukdo ruins are a cultural heritage of immense global value, illustrating the growth of Gaya and the history of ancient East Asian maritime exchange. However, its public recognition and utilization as a cultural resource are insufficient compared to its historical significance." She believes that with proper development and infrastructure, Neukdo could regain its past vitality as a vibrant center of inter-Asian interaction.

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The Neukdo ruins are a cultural heritage of immense global value, illustrating the growth of Gaya and the history of ancient East Asian maritime exchange. However, its public recognition and utilization as a cultural resource are insufficient compared to its historical significance. With proper development and infrastructure, Neukdo could regain its past vitality as a vibrant center of inter-Asian interaction.