Oldest known gunpowder weapon in Korea discovered near minefield
Deep inside a hazardous zone once marked for landmine detection on Mount Geumseong in Naju, around 280 kilometers south of Seoul, archaeologists have uncovered what is now confirmed to be the oldest surviving gunpowder weapon in Korea. The National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage said Monday that a three-year study has authenticated the artifact, known as the "Hwangja Hwatong" or…
In a perilous region once designated for landmine detection on Mount Geumseong in Naju, approximately 280 kilometers south of Seoul, a team of archaeologists has unearthed the oldest known gunpowder weapon in Korean history. The National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage announced on Monday that a three-year examination has verified the authenticity of the artifact, identified as the Hwangja Hwatong or Yellow-Character Hand Cannon.
Measuring slightly less than 25 centimeters in length and weighing around 1 kilogram, the bronze handheld firearm provides invaluable insights into early East Asian military technology.
This remarkable discovery carries significant academic, historical, and cultural importance, according to Cho Mi-soon, director of the National Naju Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, who addressed a press conference at the National Palace Museum of Korea. The weapon dates from a critical transitional era between the late Goryeo and early Joseon dynasties, when physical evidence of firearms is exceedingly scarce.
A thorough analysis of a 28-character inscription inscribed on the barrel revealed the weapon's precise specifications.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Oldest known gunpowder weapon in Korea discovered near minefield koreatimes.co.kr
