Treasures recovered from the sea spotlight underwater excavations

연합뉴스 / 2025-12-08 09:29:45

▲ This file photo shows the interior view of the “West Sea Maritime Exchange” exhibition hall at the Taean Maritime Museum in South Chungcheong Province. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Dec. 8 (Yonhap) -- A renewed exhibition space showcasing artifacts recovered from waters off Taean, South Chungcheong Province — often dubbed “underwater Gyeongju” — will reopen to the public this week.

The National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage said Monday it has renovated part of the exhibition hall and interactive experience zone at the Taean Maritime Museum and will unveil the updated facilities starting Tuesday.

The revamped exhibition brings together five treasures discovered through underwater excavation. Among them is the Goryeo Dynasty–era treasure "Celadon Lion-Shaped Lid Incense Burner," recovered from the Taean ship, which is believed to have sunk while transporting tribute goods from Gangjin to Gaeseong.

▲ These photos provided by the National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage shows the earthenware jar, bamboo slips and crustaceans recovered from the Mado No. 1 shipwreck (L) and a celadon ewer in the shape of a gourd with peony and lotus designs, along with a dish and stand. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

The lion-shaped lid is considered a rare example among figurative celadon works, featuring a crouching lion with its mouth opened wide to both sides.

Also on display is the "Celadon Maebyong Vase with Incised Lotus Stem Design," officially designated as a national treasure, discovered from the Goryeo ship Mado No. 2. The piece is noted for its clear hue and elegant form.

“The institute created a standalone ‘treasure zone’ at the center of the gallery to display the five national treasures and added visual content that highlights their beauty and characteristics to underscore the value of maritime heritage,” an official said.

▲ This file photo shows the interior view of the “West Sea Maritime Exchange” exhibition hall at the Taean Maritime Museum in South Chungcheong Province. (Yonhap)

Various digital displays introducing the artifacts have also been added. Visitors can view wooden tablets and bamboo slips recovered from the Mado No. 1 and No. 3 ships through vivid digital reproductions.

On the wall connecting the second and third exhibition halls, five large screens present moving images of paintings depicting various motifs, including parrots, cranes and willows.

In a virtual reality zone, visitors can experience underwater excavation through a simulation game in which they board the Mado No. 1 ship and navigate through reefs and typhoons.