Invention of the Rock Pit Tombs of Okseong-ri, Pohang, and its Background

This paper reviews the period during which rock pit tombs came to be constructed around Okseong-ri, and the structure and distributional patterns of this tomb type. In addition, this subject is approached from the perspective that material culture is generated through the active strategies and actions of individuals in various contexts. Using this approach, the background of the construction of rock pit tombs and differences in tomb structure are examined, and inferences are made regarding the internal structure and trends of the groups that built such tombs. The results of the analysis show that the rock pit tomb flourished from the fourth quarter of the 5th century to the second quarter of the 6th century. In addition, the rock pit tomb was identified to be a combination of the stone chamber tomb with corridor or stone chamber tomb with horizontal entrance and the rock pit element. The background for this change was found in the situation of the Heunghae area at the time, the unstable social environment it triggered, as well as the geological environment in the area that was recognized and experienced. It is postulated that the tomb builders around Okseong-ri established the tradition of rock pit tombs with the intention of reinforcing group unity and cohesion against such a backdrop. Furthermore, rock pit tombs were classified into three categories: rock pit burial tombs, rock pit chamber tombs withhorizontal entrances, and rock pit chamber tombs with corridors. It was recognized that a certain degree of hierarchical differentiation existed between the tomb types, and that such differentiation existed not only between individuals but also between groups, with differential distribution patterns observed according to the burial ground. It is thought that this phenomenon resulted from the fact that the range of tomb elements made available through cultural exchange was determined by the social status of the tomb builders, and by the differential cultural choices made by the tomb builders in this context.