Bonghwang-dong Site

Bonghwang-dong Site is a landmark Gaya-era shell mound. It combines the Hoehyeon-ri midden — where Korea's first modern archaeological survey took place in 1907 — with Bonghwangdae, the largest known settlement site of Geumgwan Gaya, and was jointly designated as the expanded Bonghwang-dong Site in 2001.

Excavations at the Hoehyeon-ri midden uncovered Gimhae-style pottery, various ironware, and bone tools, along with Chinese "hwacheon" coins that hint at active trade with the outside world at the time. Notably, it also produced Korea's first known find of charred ancient rice — a valuable clue for research into the origins of rice farming on the peninsula.

The name Bonghwangdae ("phoenix terrace") comes from a Joseon-era Gimhae magistrate, Jeong Hyeon-seok, who thought the hill resembled a phoenix spreading its wings and built a terrace here accordingly. Local legends about General Hwangse and Lady Yeoui are also tied to this hill, adding a layered sense of history and folklore as you walk around.

It's an open, grassy historic site on low hills, easy to stroll through — open at all times, free admission.