A Glimpse into Baekje’s Golden Age

The subterranean structure, dubbed a “bingo” or “ice warehouse,” was discovered during the seventeenth excavation survey of Busosanseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located approximately 90 miles south of Seoul in South Chungcheong Province. Busosanseong, strategically positioned overlooking the Geum River basin, served as a vital political and cultural center during the Baekje Kingdom’s Sabi period (538–660 CE).

According to the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage (NRICH), the bingo measures roughly 23 by 26 feet and was skillfully carved into the bedrock. The southern wall was later reinforced with stone blocks, a modification that, while reducing the overall space, likely improved the structure’s insulation. A circular drainage pit at the center efficiently managed any meltwater runoff.

The ability to store ice was a symbol of power and privilege in ancient societies. Access to frozen water provided chilled drinking water year-round and enabled the preservation of food for extended periods. Consequently, these ice storage facilities were typically reserved for the elite, including royalty, who possessed the resources and labor necessary for their construction and maintenance. This discovery marks the first known bingo dating back to the Baekje era, offering a unique window into their advanced engineering capabilities.

Ritual and Cultural Significance

Beyond the remarkable ice storage itself, archaeologists unearthed a jijingu, a ritual jar containing five Chinese wushu coins, buried beneath the bingo. These earthenware jars, symbols of prosperity and safety, were commonly buried at the foundations of new construction projects to invoke divine favor. The presence of these jijingu throughout the Baekje kingdom’s capital highlights the importance of religious observances, a blend of indigenous Korean animism, Buddhism, and Chinese influences.

What does this discovery tell us about the daily lives of the Baekje elite? How did access to ice shape their social and political power?

The ongoing archaeological work is now focused on the western section of the fortress, with researchers anticipating connections to the recently discovered structures. Further excavations promise to reveal even more about this fascinating period in Korean history.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ancient Korean Ice Storage

1. What is a “bingo” and why is this discovery significant? A bingo is the Korean term for an ancient ice storage facility. This discovery is significant because it’s the earliest known example from the Baekje Kingdom, providing valuable insights into their engineering and societal practices.
2. How did the Baekje Kingdom manage to store ice over long periods? The bingo was carved into bedrock and reinforced with stone, providing natural insulation. A drainage pit also helped manage meltwater, contributing to the preservation of ice.
3. What does the discovery of the jijingu tell us about Baekje religious beliefs? The jijingu reveals a syncretic religious landscape, blending indigenous Korean animism with Buddhist and Chinese influences.
4. Where is Busosanseong Fortress located and why was it important? Busosanseong Fortress is located in South Chungcheong Province, South Korea. It served as a crucial political and cultural hub during the Baekje Kingdom’s Sabi period.
5. What are archaeologists hoping to find in the western section of the fortress? Archaeologists believe the western section will connect to the structures already discovered, potentially revealing more about the fortress’s layout and function.
6. How did access to ice impact the social hierarchy of the Baekje Kingdom? Access to ice was a privilege reserved for the elite, signifying their power and resources. It allowed them to enjoy chilled beverages and preserve food, setting them apart from the general population.