Underwater Excavation Survey Begins in the Mado Sea Area, Taean

Identifying the True Nature of the 12th-Century Goryeo Ship "Mado Line 5"

Underwater survey scene in Mado waters.

The National Research Institute of Maritime Heritage will hold a Gae-su-je ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on May 12 in the Mado sea area in Taean-gun, South Chungcheong Province, and commence the "12th Taean Mado Sea Area Underwater Excavation Survey."

The institute aims to identify the true nature of "Mado Line 5," where a bundle of celadon and fragments of the hull were discovered last year. In particular, the survey will focus on determining the structure and scale of a Goryeo-period vessel from the mid-12th century.

In addition, the institute will conduct further trial excavations around the burial site of the Joseon Dynasty grain transport ship "Mado Line 4," which was salvaged last year, to identify any remaining artifacts.

A bundle of celadon confirmed at the burial site of Mado Line 5.

Divers will also investigate abnormal seabed responses identified through sonar surveys. An institute official explained, "We aim to confirm the potential existence of additional underwater heritage or ancient vessels," adding, "A detailed surface survey will be conducted, focusing on areas with a high likelihood of buried artifacts."

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