First Baekje-Era Ice Storage Facility Discovered at Busosanseong Fortress in Buyeo

7m x 8m Ice Storage Facility with Drainage System
"Evidence of Strong Monarchical Power"

Bingo photo from the Baekje period

An ice storage facility (Bingo) from the Baekje period has been discovered for the first time at Busosanseong Fortress.

The Buyeo National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage announced on the 13th that, during the process of organizing the results of its 17th excavation, it had identified both a Bingo and a Jijingu (a symbolic object buried before building construction) at the site.

The Bingo was located at the eastern edge of the excavation area. Its floor plan is rectangular, and the cross-section is U-shaped. The structure measures 7 meters east to west, 8 meters north to south, and 2.5 meters deep. Initially, the bedrock was excavated and used as walls; later, stones were erected on the southern wall to reduce the space. At the center of the floor, a pit measuring 230 cm in length, 130 cm in width, and 50 cm in depth was created, with broken stones filled in on the southern side. This appears to have been intended for draining water generated inside. An institute official explained, "The Bingo was a specialized facility for storing ice for long periods, and could only be constructed and operated under a strong monarchy and centralized state power."

Location and Excavation Status of Jijinggu from the Baekje Period

The jar used as a Jijingu was rectangular with a short neck and was covered with a lid featuring a round bead-shaped handle. Inside, five pieces of Wuzhu coins, ancient Chinese currency, were found. Since there were no other buildings nearby, it is interpreted that the jar was buried to pray for the successful construction of the structure.

The institute plans to investigate the western area of the Gunchangji site, which served as a military food storage facility during the Joseon Dynasty, in upcoming excavations. An official stated, "There is a high possibility that the structures found in the 17th excavation are connected in various ways."