Two Goryeo Ships Drying Out for the First Time in 15 Years... Large-Scale Construction Facility Operational

Completed 15 Years of Salt and Chemical Treatment
Entering Final Drying Stage
First Operation of Automated Drying Facility
Scheduled for Completion in 2028

The National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage under the Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 26th that the preservation treatment of the Goryeo Dynasty ships, Taeanseon and Mado No.1, recovered from the Taean Daeseom and Mado waters in 2009, has entered the final stage. Currently, the 'humidity-controlled drying' phase, which safely dries the wood by regulating humidity, has begun and is expected to be completed by 2028. Over the past 15 years, the wood has undergone processes to remove salt content and chemical treatments to prevent warping during drying.

The Taeanseon and Mado 1ho Line inside the moisture control drying room
[Photo by Korea Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage]

The humidity-controlled drying is carried out through the 'Large-scale Submerged Wood Automatic Temperature and Humidity Control Drying System,' which the National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage established domestically for the first time in December 2020. The institute stated, "Until now, there was no humidity control facility in Korea capable of handling the scale of Taeanseon and Mado No.1, which possess more than 50 large wooden components," and added, "With the ability to stably preserve large-scale submerged wood, we expect this to change the framework for preserving submerged wood from ancient ships in the future."

Previously, approximately 25,000 artifacts, including Goryeo Dynasty ceramics and onboard daily life items, were discovered in the underwater excavation of Taeanseon. Among them, three pieces of Goryeo celadon were designated as national treasures in December 2012 and April of last year.

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