The site was discovered in 1964 when a researcher noticed stone artifacts protruding from the riverbank during a flood.
Excavations at Seokjangri revealed 12 distinct cultural layers, confirming long-term habitation over multiple prehistoric periods.
The museum grounds are intentionally built near the original archaeological trenches where the first stone implements were identified.
It is the only museum in Korea exclusively focused on the Paleolithic era.
The site provided crucial evidence that corrected the historical misconception that Paleolithic humans did not live on the Korean Peninsula.
Reconstructions of huts are based on post-hole patterns discovered during the archaeological digging process.
Seokjangri Museum is a specialized site dedicated to the Paleolithic period, built on the location of South Korea's first excavated Paleolithic site. It showcases the findings from a 1964 excavation that proved the existence of prehistoric human habitation in the Geumgang River basin. The facility includes an exhibition hall featuring fossil replicas, stone tools, and dioramas depicting early human survival techniques. Outdoor exhibits feature reconstructed Paleolithic huts and life-sized models of prehistoric figures. The museum grounds are situated directly alongside the Geumgang River, providing a natural setting that reflects the original environment of the Paleolithic inhabitants. The museum emphasizes educational outreach, focusing on the evolution of human tools and lifestyles during the Ice Age. It serves as the primary hub for the Gongju Seokjang-ri Paleolithic Festival held annually.
The outdoor hut village overlooking the Geumgang River provides a clear, expansive backdrop.
Prioritize the outdoor walking path, as the reconstructed hut village offers a better sense of scale than the indoor displays.
Check the museum's calendar before visiting, as the site hosts a large-scale Paleolithic festival in the spring that significantly changes the visitor experience.
Bring sun protection, as the open-air sections along the river have limited shade.
Do not assume the outdoor models are original artifacts; they are educational reconstructions.
Closed on Mondays and on the morning of New Year's Day, Seollal, and Chuseok.
No food or drinks inside the exhibition halls; maintain a quiet demeanor near the reconstructed hut displays.
