Discovery of ancient South Korean gunpowder weapon

Archaeologists in South Korea have identified the ‘Hwangja Hwatong’ as the country’s oldest surviving gunpowder weapon. The bronze artifact was discovered in November 2023 on a cliffside at Geumseongsan Mountain in Naju during military landmine detection activities.

The portable weapon measures 23.75 cm in length and weighs approximately 1,032 grams. When fitted with a wooden handle, its total length could reach about 1.2 meters. Scientific analysis indicates the bronze casting is composed of copper, tin, and lead, with a specific tin content intended to balance strength and ductility to prevent the weapon from bursting during use.

Inscriptions of 28 characters on the weapon provide critical historical data, including the weight, the name of the artisan, and the name of the official overseeing production. Based on the inscription ‘Jeongsa’, researchers estimate the weapon was manufactured either in 1377 during the late Goryeo Dynasty or in 1437 during the early Joseon Dynasty. The Naju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage announced the findings, and the artifact was scheduled for display at the National Palace Museum of Korea.