Treasure ship, underwater treasure ship, in Korea.

Treasure ship, underwater treasure ship always excite people.

Treasure ship was discovered in 1976 in the waters off Sinan.

It was revealed when several pieces of ceramics got caught in a fisherman’s net.

displaying its initial appearance. The underwater treasure ship was filled with various items.

including ceramics being transported from China (Yuan Dynasty) to Japan, coins, metal crafts, and porcelain. After encountering a typhoon in that area at the time, it sank and remained submerged in the sea for over 700 years. Among the numerous artifacts that were salvaged, there were important records that could help estimate the sinking date. A wooden tablet inscription reading ‘至治三年六月一日’ (June 1st of the 3rd year of Zhizhi) indicated a probable sinking date around 1323 during the Goryeo Dynasty. Despite the passage of many centuries, the excavated artifacts were remarkably well-preserved.

After the initial discovery reported by the fishermen, extensive excavations began for the treasure ship.

The excavation took place over 11 phases until 1984. It was named the Sinan Underwater Shipwreck Excavation when the excavation began. The excavation of the ship, buried in the deep waters at a depth of 20 meters, and the artifacts within it was not an easy task.

The Navy and treasure hunters collaborated on the effort.

Each time the excavated artifacts emerged into the world, they garnered immense public fascination. Three national treasures were discovered, along with a vast collection of items including black-glazed ceramics, porcelain, various metal objects, and an astonishing 800,000 copper coins, weighing over 20 tons. In total, there were more than 28,000 artifacts. The wooden ship, measuring 34 meters in length, 11 meters in width, and 8 meters in height, was truly an enormous treasure ship.

It was a ship that departed from Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China.

It was a ship that traveled from Mokpo and Sinan, heading to Hakata, Japan.

serving as an international trade route connecting Goryeo, China, and Japan. It likely carried the most popular goods from these three countries. The artifacts found on the ship have become invaluable treasures today, not only in terms of historical significance but also due to their material rarity.

Many other items were also discovered on the treasure ship.

The oldest known Japanese chessboard was discovered. In addition, various ceramics, coins from that era weighing up to 1 ton, and various metal items were found. It is also estimated that numerous spices were being stored. One can’t help but wonder if such treasure ships might still be slumbering somewhere in the world.