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Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Ancient-to-modern secular changes in Korean stature.
Dong Hoon Shin1, Chang Seok Oh, Yi-Suk Kim
1Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul 110-799, Korea.
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|January 25, 2012
Summary
Human height is a key indicator of socio-economic well-being. This study reveals Korean adult height remained stable until the early 20th century, then sharply increased, reflecting unique historical changes.
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Paleo-anthropology
- Human biology
Background:
- Secular trends in human stature reflect socio-economic development.
- Historical Korean populations (Joseon Dynasty) provide a unique case study for examining stature changes.
Observation:
- Femoral measurements from 15th- to 19th-century Joseon tombs were used to estimate adult Korean stature.
- Estimated average heights were 161.1 cm for males and 148.9 cm for females.
- Korean stature remained largely unchanged until the late 19th century.
Findings:
- Unlike many Western countries, Korean height did not decrease after the Middle Ages.
- A significant increase in Korean stature occurred in the early 20th century.
- No changes in stature sexual dimorphism were observed.
Implications:
- The findings highlight Korea's historical isolation and late modernization.
- Stature trends offer insights into the impact of socio-economic factors on human populations.
- This study provides a comparative perspective on secular height changes globally.
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