'A Study on Korean Traditional Ships' Selected as Excellent Academic Book by National Academy of Sciences

Book by Curator Hong Soonjae, Who Led the Restoration of the Joseon Tongsinsa Ship

The National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage announced on August 5 that "A Study on Korean Traditional Ships: The History of Korean Ships in Archaeological Heritage and Records (Minsokwon)," published last year by curator Hong Soonjae, has been selected as an Excellent Academic Book by the National Academy of Sciences, Republic of Korea.

Sunjai Hong, Research Curator at the National Marine Heritage Research Institute

This is a specialized academic book that systematically organizes the structure and shipbuilding techniques of traditional Korean vessels. It explores the history of Korean ships from the prehistoric era to the Joseon Dynasty, centering on empirical data related to ships left by people of the past, as well as ancient documents and paintings. The book also includes the results of archaeological investigations and research conducted both on land and underwater.

The institute stated, "It has been recognized as an outstanding book contributing to the history of Korean ships in the fields of archaeology and shipbuilding engineering," and added, "It will greatly help in understanding Korea's maritime cultural heritage." The institute further mentioned, "We plan to produce an English edition in the future to widely promote the value of the history of Korean traditional ships."

Cover of "Hanseon Research: History of Korean Ships in Archaeological Heritage and Records"

The author, Hong Soonjae, majored in archaeological anthropology and has devoted more than 30 years to underwater archaeology and the restoration of traditional ships. Notable achievements include the Joseon Tongsinsa Ship Restoration Project. The full-scale replica of the Tongsinsa ship sailed to Osaka last May to mark the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan.