600-Year-Old Hand Cannon Discovered During Landmine Clearance in South Korea

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A bronze firearm found by soldiers in Naju, South Korea, has been identified as the country's oldest known gunpowder weapon, dating back to the 14th or 15th century.

600-Year-Old Hand Cannon Discovered During Landmine Clearance in South Korea
Image credit: Archaeology

In the city of Naju, located in South Korea's Jeollanam-do province, a bronze object accidentally unearthed by soldiers during routine landmine clearance operations has proven to be a discovery significant enough to rewrite the nation's military history. Following rigorous scientific analysis, the artifact has been officially identified as a 'Hwangja Hwatong,' making it the oldest confirmed gunpowder weapon in Korea [1].

Inscriptions Hidden on the Bronze Barrel

Dating back approximately 600 years, this portable firearm was designed to discharge arrows or metal projectiles. The most remarkable feature that distinguishes this weapon is the detailed information engraved directly onto its body. These inscriptions clearly state the weapon's name, weight, year of manufacture, and even the name of the individual responsible for its production. Based on these data, researchers estimate the piece dates to either 1377 or 1437 [2]. This period represents a critical era in Korean history, marking the transition from the Goryeo Dynasty to the Joseon Dynasty, a time characterized by the rapid modernization of military technologies.

The Evolution of Military Technology

Korea began integrating gunpowder technology into its defense systems shortly after Chinese alchemists accidentally discovered the substance in the 9th century while searching for an elixir of immortality [6]. Developed from the Goryeo period onward, these indigenous weapons played a vital role, particularly in naval warfare and fortress defense. This latest specimen found in Naju is one of the earliest representatives of the 'Yellow' (Hwangja) series, which was one of the four primary cannon types classified by Korea as 'Heaven,' 'Earth,' 'Black,' and 'Yellow' [5].

To Be Exhibited in the National Museum

Following three years of meticulous examination by the Naju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, the artifact is now ready for public display. The historic hand cannon will be presented to visitors as part of a special exhibition at the National Palace Museum of Korea in Seoul [3]. Experts emphasize that such finds are not merely instruments of war, but also engineering marvels that demonstrate the casting techniques and metallurgical expertise of the period.

Sources and further reading

Image & News Source: Archaeology / archaeology.org