Yeoncheon Paleolithic Festival

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 AxeThe 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.