The National Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage has successfully raised the hull of a Joseon Dynasty ship from the seabed in the waters of Madang, Taean, often referred to as the “Gyeongju of the Sea,” after it was submerged for over 600 years. This marks the first time that the hull of a Joseon Dynasty vessel was successfully recovered. Additionally, traces of another ship, presumed to have sunk in the early 12th century, were discovered.
The Madang No. 4 ship, a Joseon Dynasty grain transport ship discovered underwater in 2015, was brought to the surface after 600 years. This ship, which showed signs of iron nails—a first for ancient Korean ships—was loaded with tax grain and tribute goods from Naju, destined for the Gwangheung warehouse in Hanyang when it wrecked.
The excavation also revealed over 60 pieces of wooden tags—one inscribed with “Naju Gwangheungchang”—and 150 pieces of Buncheong ware with inscriptions related to the “Naeseom” agency. Radio carbon dating assessed the ship’s age to be around 1420. Unlike Goryeo ships, which used one central mast, the Joseon-era ship had a dual-mast structure, believed to enhance sailing speed and navigation. Additionally, unlike the vertically arranged timber found in Goryeo ships, Madang No. 4 used horizontal wood arrangements to increase durability, with numerous small wooden nails for precise assembly.
While conducting the sonar survey of the Madang waters, another ancient vessel was identified, with cargo consisting of celadon bundles, wooden anchors, ropes, rice seeds, and hull fragments. This evidence points to another vessel that possibly transported grain and porcelain.
Previous notable shipwrecks in Madang include vessels dating back to the late 12th century and early 13th century; the new discovery is expected to be from an earlier period, possibly classifying it as Madang No. 5. Excavation efforts are planned for 2026 to further explore these findings.