In a significant archaeological discovery, South Korean researchers have recovered a 600-year-old tax ship, known as Mado 4, which provides insight into the maritime operations of the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910). The vessel was raised from the seabed off the west coast in October 2022, following nearly a decade of conservation efforts. Mado 4 is the only fully excavated Joseon-era ship and offers tangible evidence of the kingdom’s complex maritime tax network.
Initially discovered in 2015 near Taean, South Chungcheong province, Mado 4 rests at approximately 25 meters deep. The excavation site yielded over 120 artifacts, including wooden cargo tags denoting destinations, state rice containers, and government-produced porcelain. These artifacts confirm that the ship was integral to a state-run transport system called “joun,” essential for moving grain and official goods from regional depots to Hanyang, now Seoul.
The ship is believed to have sunk around 1420 while navigating treacherous waters from Naju, a grain collection center. Its preservation under sand and silt has allowed researchers to observe key elements of Joseon-era engineering. Notably, Mado 4 features a twin-mast design, marking a departure from the single-mast ships prevalent prior, indicating advancements aimed at improving speed and maneuverability. Moreover, the use of iron nails for repairs—the first confirmed instance of metal fasteners in Korean vessels—contrasts previous understanding that traditional ships relied solely on wooden joints.
The announcement of Mado 4’s recovery coincided with the discovery of another shipwreck in the area, possibly dating back to the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), making it the oldest known shipwreck in Korea if verified. This find underscores the Taean coast as a vital underwater archaeological site, having revealed over a dozen shipwrecks that illustrate a historic maritime corridor crucial for state finance and tribute exchange.
Currently, Mado 4 is undergoing long-term preservation treatment in Taean, while selected artifacts from the ship are being exhibited in a special display titled “The Nation’s Ship That Sailed The Sea,” open until February 2026 at the Taean Maritime Museum. The recovery and subsequent studies of Mado 4 are spearheaded by the National Research Institute of Maritime Heritage under the Cultural Heritage Administration of South Korea, marking a pivotal moment in understanding Korea’s maritime history and infrastructure.
