New Traces of Ancient Ship Found in Taean, the "Gyeongju Under the Sea"... Possibility of a New Mado Line No. 5

Believed to Have Carried Grain and Ceramics
Similar to Mado Lines Nos. 1 and 2
First Evidence of Iron Nail Usage Detected

A cluster of celadon discovered during sonar survey in the Mado sea area, Taean. National Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage

New traces of an ancient ship, believed to have sunk hundreds of years ago, have been discovered off the coast of Taean, South Chungcheong Province, in an area often referred to as the "Gyeongju under the sea." Attention is now focused on whether another "time capsule" long submerged underwater will be opened.

The National Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage announced on November 10 that it had found evidence of a shipwreck in the Mado sea area of Taean, which appears to have sunk while transporting grain and ceramics.

The Mado sea area has long been considered one of the most treacherous sections of the coastal route along the West Sea. It was a passage for ships heading to the capital during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, but strong currents and numerous reefs caused many vessels to sink. According to the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, about 200 ships were wrecked in the Anheungnyang area of Taean over a period of roughly 60 years, from 1392 to 1455.

Researchers are checking a bundle of celadon. National Institute of Maritime Heritage

The institute detected new traces of a shipwreck while surveying the seabed using sonar equipment. When divers were dispatched to the site for confirmation, they discovered two bundles of celadon (a total of 87 pieces), as well as a wooden anchor, ropes, rice seeds, fragments of the hull, and log cargo supports.

The excavated celadon consists of 65 plates, 15 bowls, and 7 cups. The institute stated, "Based on the shape and patterns of the celadon, it is estimated to have been produced during the Goryeo Dynasty, around 1150 to 1175."

The institute is focusing on the possibility that these artifacts point to the existence of another ancient ship, the so-called "Mado Line No. 5," lying dormant in the Mado sea area. An official commented, "The composition of the artifacts is similar to those from Mado Line Nos. 1 and 2," adding, "There is a high possibility that a new shipwreck is buried here."

Previously, the Mado Lines Nos. 1 to 3, believed to be ships from the Goryeo Dynasty, were discovered between 2009 and 2011, and Mado Line No. 4 was found in 2014. Scholars estimate that these ships sank in approximately 1208, 1210, and between 1265 and 1268, respectively.

Based on the newly obtained data, the institute plans to conduct a detailed excavation next year. According to the institute, "If the new Mado Line No. 5 is confirmed, it would be the earliest Goryeo Dynasty shipwreck discovered in the Taean Mado sea area."

Salvage operation of the hull of Mado Line No. 4. National Institute of Maritime Heritage

Meanwhile, last month the institute completed the salvage of the hull of "Mado Line No. 4," a Joseon Dynasty ship. A large quantity of grain, a wooden tag inscribed with "Najugwangheungchang," and Buncheong ware were found on board, suggesting it was a grain transport vessel. Radiocarbon dating revealed that it sank around 1420, and for the first time among ancient Korean ships, traces of iron nails were identified.

Currently, the hull fragments have been transferred to the Taean Conservation Center, where they are undergoing desalination, hardening, and drying processes. Full preservation is expected to take several years.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.