Overview
- Officials said the Mado 4 vessel was hoisted in October and is now undergoing long-term desalination at the Taean Maritime Museum, with selected artifacts on display through February 2026.
- Wooden tags, government rice containers and tribute ware tie the ship to the state-run joun network, with analyses indicating a voyage from Naju to Hanyang and a sinking around 1420.
- The 12-meter-by-5-meter hull preserves up to 11 layers on the starboard side after capsizing, and 107 structural timbers were retrieved between April and October.
- Structural study identified twin masts and iron-nail repairs—the first confirmed metal fasteners on a traditional Korean vessel—along with horizontal bow timbers and pegged joints.
- Sonar and dives at the site revealed a likely mid-12th-century Goryeo wreck tentatively named Mado No. 5, from which 87 celadon pieces were recovered and a full excavation is planned next year.