When shells become history
In Gonam-ri on Korea's west coast, discarded shells accumulated into shell middens. What may look like rubbish can help archaeologists study what people ate and how they lived. Gonam Shell Mound Museum starts the story there.
Pottery and coastal life
Taean County's tourism description lists Neolithic comb-pattern pottery, Bronze Age plain pottery, stone tools and displays explaining prehistoric life. Looking at the differences between these objects offers a way to think about change across the centuries. The county's description may predate renovation, so confirm which displays and activities are currently available.
A museum reopened
The official museum history records the first exhibition hall opening in 2002, closure for expansion works on 1 November 2024, and reopening on 9 July 2026. An older notice still mentions closure: check the reopening history and current visitor information together.
Before you visit
The address listed by Taean County is 4270-6 Anmyeon-daero, Gonam-myeon, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do. The visitor page lists 9 am–5 pm from November to February and 9 am–6 pm from March to October, free admission, and closures on Mondays, 1 January, and Lunar New Year and Chuseok days. If Monday is a public/substitute holiday, the next day is closed. Two official versions disagree whether final admission is 30 or 60 minutes before closing. Confirm late arrivals on +82-41-670-5618. Check special exhibitions, hands-on activities and bus services separately.