Goryeo and Joseon Dynasty Shipwreck Excavation Sites Open to the Public for the First Time

Underwater Excavation Camp Opens to the Public
Experience the World of Underwater Archaeology in Taean
Special Program Celebrates 50 Years of Korean Underwater Archaeology

The National Research Institute of Maritime Heritage announced on September 1 that it will open the excavation sites of Goryeo and Joseon Dynasty shipwrecks to the public. From the 27th, the institute will host the "Goryeo Shipwreck Underwater Excavation Camp" for four days, offering an underwater excavation experience event to the general public. For the first time, the world of underwater archaeology, previously reserved for experts, will be accessible to everyone.

Educational scene at the underwater excavation camp experience site
[Photo by National Heritage Administration]

The event will take place in the waters off Mado, Taean, Chungnam Province, known as the "treasure trove of underwater heritage." The site features the "Onnubiho," a replica ship modeled after a Goryeo celadon transport vessel, and more than 2,000 items, including celadon, grains, and crafts, arranged to recreate the scene at the time of the sinking. Participants can experience the entire excavation process, from photographing artifacts to measuring and salvaging them.

The program is open to Korean citizens with at least ten scuba diving experiences. A total of 32 participants will be selected, with eight people per day. Applications are accepted via Naver Form and QR code from September 2 to 11. The participation fee is 20,000 won. The final list of participants will be announced on the institute's website on September 13. Graduates of the program will receive the "Underwater Archaeology Diving Specialty Certificate," accredited by an international scuba education organization.

Additionally, the institute will offer tours of the Taean Maritime Heritage Exhibition Hall, lectures on "Korea's Underwater Treasures," and a boarding experience on the underwater heritage research vessel "Nurianho." An official stated, "This is an opportunity to personally experience the value of underwater heritage," and added, "Starting next year, which marks the 50th anniversary of Korean underwater archaeology, we plan to significantly expand the program."