Over 200 Goryeo Dynasty relics excavated in waters of Gunsan Islands

연합뉴스 / 2021-12-14 11:34:54

▲ This photo, provided by the National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage, shows part of some 200 Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) relics, including 125 Goryeo celadons, found under the sea off Gunsan, 275 km southwest of Seoul, during a 60-day excavation work. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Dec. 14 (Yonhap) -- In a sea near Seonyudo Island and Munyeodo Island, which are part of the 63 islands that make up Gunsan Islands in the southwest of Gusan city, various artifacts, including Goryeo celadons and white porcelains, were found.

The National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage announced Tuesday that it had conducted a 60-day survey in the waters of Gunsan Islands, middle of the Saemangeum Seawall, to find 200 articles, including 125 Goryeo celadons, 49 white porcelains, 9 Buncheong ware (traditional Korean stoneware), and 3 anchor stones.

81 of the Goryeo celadons were found to be overlapping bowls and plates. The relics are believed to have been shipped as cargo but later sank as the ship was wrecked.

In addition, wooden anchors and oars, which are believed to be remains from old sunken ships, were also found under the sea, meaning old ships are highly likely to be located nearby.

"At the end of last year, we received reports of maritime cultural assets under the sea off Gunsan, and investigated several times since early this year. The production period of these relics vary from the Goryeo Dynasty to the modern era," an official from the National Institute of Maritime Heritage explained.

▲ This photo, provided by the National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage, shows work to excavate Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) relics under the sea off Gunsan, 275 km southwest of Seoul. Some 200 articles, including 125 Goryeo celadons, were found during the 60-day work. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

"The anchors are not commonly used in modern times so it seems to have fallen off of one of the older ships," the official added. "There is a good possibility that a shipwreck may be asleep under the Gunsan Islands as four ships have been discovered in the Mado waters off Taean in There is a good possibility that a shipwreck may be asleep in the Gogunsan Islands as four high ships have been found in Mado, Taean, South Chungcheong Province."

In the Gunsan Islands, underwater excavations were carried out at Biando Island in 2002, the Sipidongpado Island in 2003-2004, and Yamido Island in 2008-2009. During the maritime excavation at Sipidongpado Island, one Goryeo ship used for transporting celadon vessels were found as well.

The National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage pointed out that the investigation area in Gunsan Island may have been the anchorage of ships like Mado waters in Taean, since historical records of the "Gogunsanjin Map" compiled in the late Joseon Dynasty explained the area as a "place where ships would stay to avoid or wait for the wind."

The institute plans to conduct a detailed excavation next year to collect additional artifacts and check whether there are any old ships still existing under water.

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