The purpose of this article is to compile data on the Korean arrow cases of the Three Kingdoms Period and to examine their transition, lineage, and origin, as well as to consider how they were worn. Unlike previous studies, the analysis was conducted on the parts that connect the metal component of the arrow case and belt. The target sites include 44 sites, 101 features and 202 artifacts, and eight types of arrow cases were established based on the characteristics of the arrow case metal component. The origin and appearance of new forms was considered by comparing the artifacts with those from China. The way in which the arrow case may have been worn was suggested based on ancient paintings, such as Goguryeo ancient tomb murals.
Based on the analysis, it was possible to establish that arrow cases had been very popular from the late 4th century to the early 6th century. The process of change can be divided into four periods, with each quarterly period witnessing a process of introduction and degradation. The arrow cases of Silla and Baekje were influenced by Goguryeo and the northeast region of China. Arrow cases in the Gaya region are highly prevalent in the Goryeong and Hapcheon regions, featuring all of the characteristics of Baekje and Silla arrow cases. In Period III, a new type of arrow case (Style B2) featuring a new form of connecting metal component appeared. Although this type has not been observed in the Silla sphere, it has been identified in Songsan-ri Gongju, Bokam-ri Naju Jeongchon, and Sindeok Hampyung.
It was therefore possible to identify that the arrow cases of ancient Korea had been introduced into each kingdom in various different ways, according to changes in the political situation of the polities of Northeast Asia, such as Sanyan (三燕), Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla and Gaya.