Relics made in the Southern Song Dynasty of China, presumably used by a merchant, were discovered in the local coastal waters off (신창리)Sinchang-ri.
The discovery is expected to boost research on maritime trade between Korea, China and Japan.
Joseph Kim reports.

[slug] Underwater excavation in Sinchang-ri between April and June
This is the underwater excavation site in Sinchang-ri.
When the pipe displaces the sand, artifacts buried for hundreds of years appear.

[slug] Seals and seal case of Southern Song Dynasty of China found
Two small seals and a case are found between rocks.
They are presumed to be used by merchants of the Southern Song Dynasty of China on board a ship between the 12th and 13th century.

INTERVIEW
Lee Gwi-young / General Director of National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage
A Chinese seal was first found in the coastal waters off Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do Province. But this is the first time that both seals and a seal case were found together in Korea.
<인터뷰 : 이귀영/국립해양문화재연구소장>
"인장이 발견된 것은 신안군에서 발견된 신안선 이후에 두 번째로 발견된 것인데 도장과 도장함이 한 세트를 이루면서 발견된 것은 국내 최초입니다."

[slug] 400 pieces of celadon vessels discovered
At the excavation site, 400 pieces of celadon vessels were also found.

[slug] Second discovery of Longquan celadon in Korea
The type of the celadon vessels were popular in the area of Longquan during the Southern Song Dynasty of China.
The discovery has been made for the second time in Korea.

[slug] Proof of maritime trade between Korea-China-Japan
The discovery of the seals and vessels are proof of maritime trade between Korea, China and Japan.

[slug] Jeju was geographically important for trade during Goryeo Dynasty
It also shows that the island was geographically important during (고려) Goryeo Dynasty of Korea for maritime trade.

[slug] Underwater excavation works made since 1983 in Sinchang-ri
In 1983, a female diver found a gold ornament while working underwater in the waters off Sinchang-ri and reported the discovery to authorities.
At the site, artifacts of the Southern Song Dynasty of China have been found.

[slug] Additional excavation works to be made in Sinchang-ri
The National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage is planning to carry out additional excavation work at the site in the long term.

[Reporter] Joseph Kim
[Camera] Jwa Sang-eun
[Video/Picture] National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage
The institute is also exploring waters to search for remnants of Hendrik Hamel’s journey who was shipwrecked on the island in 1653 en route to Japan.
Coastal waters on the eastern side of Jeju will also be explored.
Joseph Kim, KCTV