The Jeulmun pottery period, spanning from 8000–1500 BCE, encapsulates both the Mesolithic and Neolithic cultural phases in Korea.^[8] This era, sometimes referred to as the "Korean Neolithic," is renowned for its decorated pottery vessels, especially prominent from 4000-2000 BCE. The term "Jeulmun" translates to "Comb-patterned." This period reflects a lifestyle dominated by hunting, gathering, and small-scale plant cultivation.^[9] Notable sites from this era, such as Gosan-ni in Jeju-do Island, suggest the origins of the Jeulmun could trace back as far as 10,000 BCE.^[10] The significance of the pottery from this period is underscored by its potential to be among the world's oldest known pottery forms.

The Early Jeulmun, from approximately 6000-3500 BCE, was characterized by hunting, deep-sea fishing, and the establishment of semi-permanent pit-house settlements.^[11] Key sites from this period, such as Seopohang, Amsa-dong, and Osan-ri, offer insights into the daily lives and subsistence practices of the inhabitants. Interestingly, evidence from coastal regions like Ulsan Sejuk-ri and Dongsam-dong indicates a focus on shellfish gathering, although many archaeologists believe these shellmound sites emerged later in the Early Jeulmun.^[12]

The Middle Jeulmun period (c. 3500-2000 BCE) provides evidence of cultivation practices.^[13] Notably, the Dongsam-dong Shellmidden site has produced direct AMS dating of a domesticated foxtail millet seed to this era.^[14] However, despite the emergence of cultivation, deep-sea fishing, hunting, and shellfish gathering remained significant aspects of subsistence. The pottery of this period, known as "Classic Jeulmun" or Bitsalmunui pottery, is distinguished by its intricate comb-patterning and cord-wrapping decorations, which cover the entire vessel surface.

The Late Jeulmun period, from around 2000-1500 BCE, witnessed a shift in subsistence patterns, with a reduced emphasis on shellfish exploitation.^[15] Settlements started appearing inland, such as Sangchon-ri and Imbul-ri, suggesting a move towards cultivated plant reliance. This period runs parallel to the Lower Xiajiadian culture in Liaoning, China.

As the Late Jeulmun era waned, the inhabitants faced competition from newcomers proficient in slash-and-burn cultivation and using undecorated Mumun pottery. This group's advanced agricultural practices encroached upon the traditional hunting grounds of the Jeulmun people, marking a significant shift in the cultural and subsistence landscape of the region.