South Korean soldiers discover 600-year-old medieval firearm

During landmine removal operations on Mount Geumseongsan in Naju, South Korea, soldiers discovered a 600-year-old medieval bronze firearm known as a ‘Hwangja Hwatong’. The object was found approximately 10 centimeters below the surface during work preceding the construction of a new hiking trail.

The weapon measures 23.75 centimeters in length, has a caliber of 1.66 centimeters, and weighs 1,032 grams. An inscription of 28 characters on the body and muzzle provides critical historical data, including the weapon's name, weight, manufacturing date, the name and rank of the production supervisor, and the name of the artisan.

Based on the sexagenary cycle mentioned in the inscription, researchers have narrowed the manufacturing date to either 1377 or 1437. This discovery may significantly alter the known history of firearms in Korea.