South Korean Soldiers Were Searching for Landmines—They Found a Centuries-Old Weapon Instead

South Korean soldiers discovered a 10-inch-long, two-pound bronze object during a search for landmines near Naju’s Mount Geumseong. The artifact, identified as a "Hwangja Hwatong," or Yellow-Character Hand Cannon, dates to conflicts hundreds of years before the Korean War. Researchers spent three years analyzing the weapon, which contains 28 inscribed characters describing its name, weight, and maker. The find is considered significant as it provides insight into Korea’s military history during a transitional period between the late Goryeo and early Joseon dynasties.

The artifact was made from a bronze alloy of copper, tin, and lead. Its relatively low tin content is notable because it may have helped the barrel withstand the pressures of firing. The metal's composition was consistent with casting processes of the time, supporting the artifact’s authenticity. The inscriptions indicate the weapon was created during a Jeongsa year, possibly 1377 or 1437. These dates are significant in Korean military history, with 1377 marking the Goryeo Dynasty's establishment of a gunpowder weapons office and 1437 linked to King Sejong the Great’s reign. The weapon may be the oldest surviving Korean firearm yet discovered.

The discovery has academic, historical, and cultural value. It offers a rare glimpse into the development of gunpowder warfare in Korea. Further research may allow historians to determine its precise date and place it within the broader context of Korean military technology. The find is being showcased in an upcoming exhibition, highlighting its importance in understanding Korea’s military history and the evolution of firearms.

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