A comparison of dolmens in Ganghwa Island and Liaodong Peninsula

Dolmens from Ganghwa Island and the Liaodong Peninsula share formal similarities, including table-like and flat-topped structures, despite geographical and cultural differences. These megalithic tombs, dating to the Bronze Age, symbolize sociopolitical authority in Northeast Asia. Ganghwa's dolmens, concentrated on the island's northern region, reflect the formation of chieftain societies during Korea's Bronze Age, while Liaodong's dolmens mark the cultural foundation for early Korean states like Gojoseon, Goguryeo, and Baekje. The study highlights Ganghwa's strategic position at the intersection of southern and northern Korean cultures, contrasting with Liaodong's dolmens, which are geographically bounded by the Yalu River to the west and the First Songhua River to the north. This comparative analysis underscores the significance of these sites in understanding the origins of political structures in early Korean history.

Yu, T.-Y. (2025). A comparison of dolmens in Ganghwa Island and Liaodong Peninsula. The Journal of Korean Petroglyph, 28, 97–153. https://doi.org/10.54494/kpra.2025.28.4