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

Automatically curated summary from The Debrief.

South Korean soldiers conducting landmine clearance operations near Mount Geumseong discovered the earliest known Korean firearm, identified as a Hwangja Hwatong (Yellow-Character Hand Cannon). According to the National Naju Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, preliminary research indicates the 10-inch bronze artifact likely dates to either 1377 or 1437, periods marked by Goryeo Dynasty gunpowder development or King Sejong's artillery standardization. Inscriptions detail its production official and maker.

Context and limitations

The findings are based on early analysis shared ahead of an exhibition; no peer-reviewed study has been published yet, and the exact production date between 1377 and 1437 remains unconfirmed.