Survey site in the waters off Mado, Taean. Photo by National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage.
Human work in deep waters shaped by strong currents and unpredictable conditions begins with asking permission from nature. For generations, those who made a living at sea or entered the water for dangerous work held a traditional ritual known as “Gaesuje,” praying to the Dragon King for safety and successful results before beginning their tasks. The ceremony was intended to prevent maritime accidents, calm anxiety among participants, and respectfully ask the sea to open its path. The National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage also held the traditional rite near the waters off Mado in Taean, Chungcheongnam-do, marking the start of a new marine exploration project.
Ceramics and cylindrical wooden object discovered during probing survey near the presumed Mado No. 5 shipwreck site. Photo by National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage.
This year marks a significant milestone for underwater archaeology in Korea. It has been 50 years since the excavation of the Shinan shipwreck, a Yuan Dynasty trading vessel discovered off the coast of Shinan in Jeollanam-do in 1976, which marked the beginning of underwater excavation history in Korea.
Over the past five decades, Korea has made major advances in the once underdeveloped field of maritime cultural heritage, uncovering numerous ancient ships and underwater artifacts. Bringing together the accumulated technology and academic expertise built over those years, researchers officially began the “12th Underwater Excavation Survey of the Taean Mado Waters” on May 12.
Celadon bundles discovered while confirming the burial site of the presumed Mado No. 5 shipwreck. Photo by National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage.
One of the main goals of the 12th survey is to identify the full nature of the “presumed Mado No. 5 shipwreck,” first detected during last year’s exploration. Large bundles of celadon ceramics and fragments of a ship were discovered on the seabed, leading researchers to estimate that the vessel dates back to the mid-12th century during the Goryeo Dynasty.
Determining the structure and specifications of Goryeo ships, which operated actively in maritime trade and transportation, is considered an important key to restoring the shipbuilding technology and economic conditions of the period. Researchers plan to use sonar equipment to trace unusual signals on the seabed, followed by underwater investigations by professional divers and detailed surface surveys focused on areas where artifacts are concentrated.
Research related to “Mado No. 4,” whose salvage operation was completed last year, will also continue alongside the new excavation. Mado No. 4 was the first Joseon-era ship discovered in the Taean waters and is believed to have been a grain transport vessel carrying tax grain to Hanyang. Although the ship itself was successfully recovered, researchers believe additional artifacts may still remain buried in the mud surrounding the wreck site. Further test excavations will be conducted around the area.
Underwater investigation in the Mado waters. Photo by National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage.
Programs aimed at sharing the achievements of Korea’s underwater excavation history with the public are also being expanded. The institute increased both the duration and participation scale of its “Shipwreck Underwater Excavation Camp,” allowing citizens to directly experience maritime excavation sites that are usually difficult to access. Participants will be able to board the research vessel Nurian and observe the excavation process firsthand.
At the same time, a separate “Underwater Archaeology Camp” for archaeology students and industry professionals will operate to help foster the next generation of maritime researchers.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
* This article was manually prepared as a translated piece and later proofread and reviewed with the assistance of AI.
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