“Dolmens, usually two or more undressed stone slabs supporting a huge capstone.” Does this ring a bell for you? Today we are exploring the intriguing story of the Gaun-dong Dolmen. This dolmen is located in Namyangju-si Gyeonggi-do. More precisely it is in Dasan-dong.
Imagine the landscape long ago. We’re going back to the Bronze Age. These weren’t just rocks lying around. The Gaun-dong Dolmen was used as burial chambers. Rituals may have been performed here too.
The Korean peninsula holds around 40% of the world’s dolmens. The Gaun-dong Dolmen is part of this rich history. These megalithic structures are a window into the lives of prehistoric people. They show us how stones were quarried. They teach us how they were transported and raised.
The Gaun-dong Dolmen was initially designated as Gyeonggi-do Cultural Property No. 80. This happened on September 6 1990. However the designation number was removed on November 19 2021. This was according to the Cultural Property Protection Act Enforcement Decree.
Two dolmens originally existed in Gaun-dong. One was introduced in a 1977 publication. It was called “Report on Preliminary Investigation of Cultural Sites.” This dolmen was located at 186 Gaun-ri Migeum-myeon. It was reportedly a table-type dolmen on flat ground. Currently the detailed structure or location is unknown. Another one stood on a ridge in Hangan. It is unclear if this is the same dolmen as the one in Gaun-ri.
Excavations around the Gaun-dong Dolmen provide clues about the past. Stone tools were discovered. Pottery shards were found. These artifacts suggest the area was important in the Bronze Age.
The dolmen we see today features only the capstone above ground. Its shape resembles a laid table. Some smaller support stones exist beneath the capstone. This suggests a platform style. Unfortunately no excavation has taken place. The exact structure below remains unclear. The capstone measures 310 cm long 148 cm wide and 70 cm thick.
The Gaun-dong Dolmen offers insight into the culture of the Bronze Age. It shows us how people lived and how they honored their dead. Its large size suggests that the community was able to organize and mobilize the necessary labor. Though the official designation was removed the Gaun-dong Dolmen remains a vital part of our local heritage.
As we conclude our visit remember the hands that built this. Remember the lives that were honored here. The Gaun-dong Dolmen connects us to the distant past. It enriches our understanding of this land.