Spiritus Stories: Volunteering Jeju Gosan-ri Prehistoric Site

Volunteering at the Jeju Gosan-ri Prehistoric Site

Last weekend, we spent four meaningful hours volunteering at the Jeju Gosan-ri Prehistoric Site Information Center, located in Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju. This center, built on the oldest known Neolithic site in Korea, serves as both a historical site and an educational space where visitors can learn about Korea’s early human history. The site is recognized as Historic Site No. 412 for its discovery of ancient pottery and stone tools, making it a place of great archaeological and cultural value.

Supporting Visitors and Staff

During our time at the center, we supported a variety of tasks that helped both the visitors and the staff.
One of our main responsibilities was assisting with visitor sign-in and providing facility guidance. It was rewarding to help people feel welcomed and well-informed as they began exploring Korea’s prehistoric past.

Some visitors were local families, while others were tourists from abroad. To accommodate this diversity, we often communicated in both Korean and English, making sure that all guests could fully enjoy the center regardless of their background.

Maintaining the Environment and Preparing Kits

We also took part in maintaining a clean and pleasant environment.
We helped by:

• Cleaning walkways and exhibit areas
  
• Wiping down benches
  
• Tidying up shared spaces
  

Another important task involved preparing and handing out activity kits for visitors. These kits were used in hands-on learning programs that allowed children and adults to interact with the exhibits and understand Neolithic life through crafts and simulations.

Organizing Materials and Assisting Programs

In between visitor sessions, we organized printed materials such as pamphlets and flyers, ensuring they were neat and accessible.
We also supported the educational team by cleaning and resetting tools like bows and arrows that had been used in experience programs. These behind-the-scenes duties helped keep the programs running smoothly for the next group of participants.

Connecting Across Languages and Cultures

One of the most memorable parts of the day was meeting visitors from different parts of the world.
We met students, families, and curious travelers, some of whom spoke Japanese or English. Communicating across languages helped us connect with a wide audience and highlighted how history can bring people together.

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A Meaningful Contribution

By supporting this cultural heritage site, we were able to do more than just help with logistics.
We played a small but valuable role in:

• Preserving and promoting Korea’s ancient culture
  
• Making historical education more accessible
  
• Encouraging cultural curiosity and respect among visitors
  

This volunteer work reminded us that even simple actions—like greeting guests or cleaning tools—can leave a lasting impact.