600-Year-Old Shipwreck Recovered in South Korea Reveals Remarkably Intact Cargo

After nearly a decade of delicate underwater preservation work, South Korean researchers have completed the recovery of a centuries-old cargo ship discovered near Taean, on the country’s west coast. The vessel, dated to the early 15th century and known as Mado 4, is considered one of the most significant maritime finds from the Joseon dynasty.

The ship was first identified in 2015 but remained underwater while archaeologists carefully removed more than 120 artifacts — including wooden cargo tags, rice containers, and porcelain pieces destined for the government. These items confirm that Mado 4 was part of a large official transport network responsible for carrying tributes and supplies from provincial storage sites to the former capital, now Seoul.

A Journey Interrupted in the 15th Century

According to the National Research Institute of Maritime Heritage, the vessel likely sank around 1420 during a journey that began in Naju, in southern Korea. The west coast is known for its unpredictable currents and rocky areas — conditions that may have contributed to the shipwreck. Over the centuries, layers of sand helped protect the hull, preserving both its structure and part of its cargo.

Beyond the artifacts, Mado 4 surprised researchers with details about its construction. Unlike the typical single-mast vessels of that era, this ship was built with two masts, suggesting unknown maritime innovations of the time. Another unexpected discovery is the use of iron nails, a technique previously thought to be absent from early Joseon shipbuilding.

Another Underwater Treasure Nearby

During additional surveys around the site, archaeologists detected evidence of a second shipwreck — possibly even older. Fragments of celadon pottery dated between 1150 and 1175 were found near the remains of another vessel. If confirmed, it will be the oldest ship ever discovered in South Korea, tracing maritime archaeological evidence back to the Goryeo kingdom.

Taean has increasingly become a major underwater archaeological hotspot. Since 2007, when fishermen accidentally discovered the Mado 1 shipwreck, more than ten historical vessels have been identified in the region, revealing an important maritime corridor that transported goods, tributes, and information for centuries.

From the Seafloor to the Museum

While undergoing a long process of conservation, Mado 4 is already being introduced to the public. A special exhibition — “The Nation’s Ship That Sailed the Seas” — is on display at the Taean Maritime Museum until February 2026. Visitors can view the artifacts recovered from the ocean floor and learn about the government-run maritime transport system that operated six centuries ago.

The initiative is led by the National Research Institute of Maritime Heritage, which aims to establish Taean as a key hub for underwater archaeology in Asia.

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