The academic investigation indicates that a small ancient state, which was part of the Mahan forces and had its base in the Hampyeong area of Jeollanam-do, engaged in close exchanges with Baekje, China, and Japan and formed a society with a strict hierarchical structure.
The National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and the National Hampyeong Cultural Heritage Research Institute announced the results of their excavation of the ‘Hampyeong Masan-ri Pyosan Tomb Group’ on the 16th.
According to the research institute, the excavation, which was conducted over five years beginning in 2021, uncovered that the jang-go tomb shapes at Pyosan Tomb Group resemble tomb forms found in the Kyushu region of Japan. The name jang-go originates from its resemblance to a janggu (traditional Korean drum).
Although typical Japanese artifacts were not found in these jang-go tombs, local pottery, Chinese Southern Dynasty’s coin-patterned pottery, and Baekje artifacts were discovered. The research institute estimates that the Pyosan Tomb Group served as a burial ground for powerful figures located at a strategic point connecting the western coast with the Yeongsan River.
Moreover, it is believed that these figures maintained close relations with not only Baekje but also China and Japan. The tomb construction sequence reveals that the jang-go tombs were built first, and the round tombs nearby were constructed later, towards the outskirts.
This suggests the tomb group was organized around a tomb believed to belong to a prominent local figure, indicating a strict hierarchy centered around key individuals existed in the society at the time. The jang-go tombs and later round tombs are believed to have been constructed over a period of 50–60 years, around the 6th century.
The Pyosan Tomb Group exhibits the typical structure of Mahan mound tombs, featuring ditches around the tumuli and stone chambers built above ground, and is evaluated to have incorporated advanced construction techniques to ensure long-term preservation and structural stability. It is understood that precise surveying and design were conducted beforehand, with different construction techniques and sequences applied depending on the sector and topography.
However, among the 15 previously classified tombs, five have been re-evaluated as civilian tombs from the Joseon Dynasty or later, rather than ancient tombs. With the conclusion of the five-year investigation, the research institute plans to hold a briefing session on the 17th at 11 am at the excavation site to present the findings on the structure, construction methods, and excavated artifacts of the Pyosan Tomb Group.
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