The museum holds the physical remnants of the Sinan shipwreck, one of the most significant underwater archaeological finds in East Asian history.
The institute operates a sophisticated laboratory dedicated to the desalination and chemical stabilization of waterlogged archaeological timber.
The collection includes traditional Korean fishing boats, such as the 'Hansun', reconstructed using traditional boat-building techniques.
The grounds feature an outdoor exhibit of stone artifacts salvaged from the seabed, including various ship anchors and grinding stones.
The museum actively conducts systematic surveys of the Korean coastline to map and protect submerged cultural properties.
The National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage in Mokpo serves as the primary hub for underwater archaeology in South Korea. It features the National Maritime Museum, which houses thousands of artifacts salvaged from historic shipwrecks in Korean waters. The facility is renowned for the 14th-century Sinan shipwreck, a Chinese trade vessel discovered in 1975 containing over 20,000 pieces of celadon and spice. Exhibitions focus on the preservation and restoration processes of waterlogged wooden artifacts and ceramics. The site serves both as a public museum and an active research laboratory for maritime history. It is the only national museum in Korea dedicated specifically to underwater cultural relics.
The main lobby area which features a panoramic view of the harbor and the large-scale shipwreck restoration displays.
Prioritize the permanent exhibition hall focusing on the Sinan shipwreck for the most comprehensive historical context.
Check the museum's official website for temporary exhibitions on ongoing underwater excavation projects.
Allocate extra time to view the preservation research facility displays, which explain how centuries-old wood is prevented from decaying after recovery.
Do not mistake the institute for the smaller local maritime museums; this is the primary national research facility.
Closed on Mondays and major national holidays.
