Archaeologists in South Korea have uncovered the first ice storage facility ever recorded from the Baekje Sabi period (538–660 CE) at the Busosanseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Buyeo, South Chungcheong Province. The discovery sheds new light on the technological progress and royal authority of one of Korea’s earliest kingdoms.
Map showing the location and excavation progress of the ice storage and jijingu uncovered at Busosanseong Fortress. Credit: National Research Insтιтute of Cultural Heritage, Buyeo
It was found during the 17th excavation of the fortress, which served as the royal citadel in Baekje’s final century. Researchers from the National Research Insтιтute of Cultural Heritage in Buyeo discovered that the ice storage, or bingo, was a specially built structure designed for the long-term preservation of ice, a highly valued and rare resource in the ancient world.
The nearly square structure measures about 7 meters east to west, 8 meters north to south, and 2.5 meters deep. The interior is U-shaped and cut into bedrock. Subsequently, stones were installed along the southern wall, possibly to stabilize the structure or adjust its capacity. At the center of the floor, archaeologists discovered a pit lined with stone slabs that is thought to have served as a drainage or water-collection system. This feature indicates an advanced understanding of temperature control and humidity management, which were important in keeping ice during the warmer seasons.
Baekje-period ice storage remains revealed during the excavation at Busosanseong Fortress in Buyeo. Credit: National Research Insтιтute of Cultural Heritage, Buyeo
Close by, a small jar was discovered, identified as a jijingu—a ritual offering usually interred before construction to honor local land deities and guarantee structural safety. The vessel, with a short neck and a round lid featuring a bead-shaped handle, was in exceptional condition. Five Chinese Wu Zhu coins of the Han Dynasty (118 BCE–620 CE) were found inside. Such ritual deposits within structures were common in Baekje architecture, but this is the first instance linked to an ice storage facility, indicating the building was both ceremonial and practical in nature.
A jar found next to the ice storage, believed to be a jijingu. Credit: National Research Insтιтute of Cultural Heritage, Buyeo
Chinese coins found inside a jar buried as a jijingu. Credit: National Research Insтιтute of Cultural Heritage, Buyeo
Archaeologists have surmised that the bingo was an elite facility run under royal authority, possibly serving the palace or top officials. Ice was a luxury commodity in ancient Korea and was used to preserve food and medicine, and to cool down during royal ceremonies. Having a dedicated storage space indicates not only advanced engineering but also the social hierarchy and administrative organization of the Baekje state.
Busosanseong Fortress itself sits on Busosan Mountain, a 106-meter-tall hill overlooking Buyeo, the ancient capital of Baekje. Constructed in 538 CE as the kingdom moved its capital to Sabi (modern-day Buyeo-eup), the fortress served both defensive and ritual purposes. Previous excavations at the site have unearthed terraces, post-constructed halls, and tiled structures showing signs of royal or administrative use. The fortress also played a role in later Korean dynasties, such as Silla, Goryeo, and Joseon.
Excavation Survey Status Map of Areas I-1 and I-2 at Busosanseong Fortress, Buyeo. Credit: National Research Insтιтute of Cultural Heritage, Buyeo
Following this discovery, the Buyeo National Research Insтιтute of Cultural Heritage began its 18th excavation campaign in the western part of a Joseon-era military granary site. Researchers expect that this area will connect to earlier discoveries and help reconstruct the layout of the Baekje royal palace complex.
More information: National Research Insтιтute of Cultural Heritage, Buyeo
