South Korean archaeologists have raised the 15th-century cargo vessel Mado 4 from waters off Taean after a prolonged conservation and study programme. The National Research Institute of Maritime Heritage stated that the ship, discovered in 2015, was lifted in October and is now the only fully excavated vessel from the Joseon Dynasty.

More than 120 artefacts retrieved from the site—including wooden cargo tags, rice containers and porcelain for state tribute—demonstrate the vessel’s role within the “joun” maritime transport system that moved grain and government goods from regional depots to Hanyang, present-day Seoul.

Researchers believe the ship sank around 1420 while travelling from Naju along the west coast, a route characterised by strong tides and rocky seabeds. Analysis also revealed a twin-mast design and repairs using iron nails, representing the first verified use of metal fasteners in a traditional Korean ship.

Near the wreck site, sonar and dive surveys detected remains of another vessel accompanied by celadon dated to 1150–1175. If confirmed, the find could represent Korea’s oldest known shipwreck and offer further insight into the Goryeo period. Taean has since emerged as a major underwater archaeological area, with over a dozen shipwrecks documented in the region. Selected artefacts from Mado 4 are currently exhibited at the Taean Maritime Museum until February 2026.