Yeoncheon Paleolithic Festival (연천 구석기축제)

A prehistoric cultural festival is held at the Archaeological Site in Jeongok-ri, where the first humans inhabited the Korean Peninsula. In 1978, the discovery of an Acheulean hand axe in Jeongok-ri, Yeoncheon, garnered global attention, challenging Movius’s theory that divided Paleolithic cultures into Eastern and Western categories. Being recognized for its significance in world prehistoric culture, the festival began as a small event in 1993 to promote and preserve the important Jeongok-ri archaeological site. Now, it has grown into a large-scale festival, attracting over 100,000 visitors each year. Every May, Yeoncheon becomes a hub for experiencing prehistoric cultures from around the world. This special experiential festival offers a unique opportunity to explore the wisdom of early humans who lived in harmony with nature, providing unforgettable inspiration and enjoyment.

◎ Acheulean Hand Axe
The Acheulean hand axe is a stone tool from the Paleolithic period discovered at the archaeological site in Jeongok-ri. It features double-edged blades that exhibit skilled craftsmanship.

Start date

2025-05-02  

End Date

2025-05-05  

Venue

Archaeological Site in Jeongok-ri, Yeoncheon-gun  

Fee

Paid; refer to the website for details  

Host Company

Yeoncheon-gun, Yeoncheon Paleolithic Festival Promotion Committee  

Host's Contact Information

+82-31-832-2570  

Introduction

The Yeoncheon Paleolithic Festival takes place in Jeongok-ri in Yeoncheon, where relics of the Paleolithic Age still exist. This festival explores Korea's paleolithic history through games and educational programs to provide a great opportunity for international visitors to discover Korea’s prehistoric cultures. Moreover, this festival is a great event for families, since children can learn about paleolithic cultures, farming village lifestyles, and take part in traditional cultural programs.

Programs

Paleolithic Experience Paleolithic Barbecue, Jeongokrian Signal Performance, and Paleolithic Olympics