Approximately 200 Artifacts Discovered in the Gogunsan Archipelago Waters

Goryeo Celadon, Buncheong Ware, Baekja, and Anchor Stones
Presumed Artifacts Sunk Due to Shipwreck

Various artifacts were discovered in the sea around the Gogunsan Archipelago in Gunsan, Jeonbuk. The National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage announced on the 14th that it conducted an approximately 60-day survey near Munyeodo, Seonyudo, and Sinsido, uncovering about 200 artifacts. These include 125 pieces of Goryeo celadon, 9 pieces of Buncheong ware, 49 pieces of white porcelain, and 3 anchor stones. Among the Goryeo celadon, 81 pieces were found stacked as bowls and plates. Wooden anchors and oars were also discovered, suggesting a high possibility of ancient ships nearby. A representative from the institute explained, "These artifacts appear to have sunk as the shipwrecked vessel went down," adding, "The production periods range from the Goryeo Dynasty to the modern era."

The Gogunsan Archipelago is presumed to have been an anchorage for ships, similar to Taean Mado. In fact, the 'Gogunsanjin Map' created in 1872 by Mangyeonghyeon describes this sea area as "a place where ships, including transport vessels, take shelter from the wind or wait for favorable winds." Seonyudo is also mentioned in the Song Dynasty envoy Seo Geung’s (徐兢) 'Seonhwa Bongsago Goryeodogyeong' as having Gunsanjeong, an inn where envoys traveling to Goryeo stayed. A representative from the institute stated, "We plan to conduct a detailed excavation next year to recover additional artifacts and confirm the existence of ancient ships."

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