Archaeologists in South Korea have uncovered the remains of a 600-year-old wooden ship believed to date back to the early Joseon Dynasty, offering new insight into the nation’s maritime trade and tax transport systems. The discovery, made near the coastal waters of Taean County in South Chungcheong Province, marks a significant milestone in understanding Korea’s shipbuilding craftsmanship and trade logistics during the 15th century.
According to the Cultural Heritage Administration, the vessel is estimated to have been used for transporting tax grain, a common practice during the Joseon era when regional taxes were collected in rice and shipped to the capital. The excavation team found the ship’s wooden structure remarkably well-preserved, with pottery, roof tiles, and wooden tools still intact—indicating it likely sank suddenly during transit.
The vessel measures about 13 meters in length and 4.6 meters in width, smaller than many previously discovered cargo ships from the same period, suggesting it may have been used for short-haul routes along Korea’s western coast. The discovery was made during an underwater cultural heritage survey aimed at mapping historic maritime trade routes.
Experts note that the ship’s design reflects the evolution of Korean naval engineering, particularly in its joinery and hull construction techniques, which were advanced for the period. The Cultural Heritage Administration stated that further analysis will be conducted to determine the ship’s exact age, origin, and operational history.
The find adds to a growing list of maritime archaeological discoveries in the Taean area, a region known for yielding several historic wrecks over the years. Authorities plan to preserve the remains and associated artifacts for public display following conservation work.
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Source: The Korea Herald
