Artifacts showcasing the military role of the Jeolla Provincial Naval Base, which was responsible for maritime defense along the southwestern coast during the Joseon Dynasty, will be publicly displayed for the first time.
The Haenam County government announced on November 6 that it will hold a special exhibition titled 'National Heritage Jeolla Provincial Naval Base' at the Haenam Citizens' Plaza Gallery from November 10 to December 13.
This exhibition marks the first special event commemorating the 10th anniversary of the designation of the Jeolla Provincial Naval Base as a national heritage site. It aims to shed light on the military and administrative systems of the Joseon navy and the newly confirmed historical values through excavation research.
The Jeolla Provincial Naval Base was a key military stronghold responsible for maritime defense and naval command along the southwestern coast during the Joseon Dynasty.
Excavations conducted since its designation as a national heritage site have revealed traces of significant structures, including the living quarters of naval commanders, administrative buildings, and the military warehouse.
These findings allow for a more detailed examination of the spatial organization and military-administrative operations of the Jeolla Provincial Naval Base, which had previously relied heavily on historical texts and records.
Notably, the exhibition will feature various artifacts uncovered during the excavation, including stone and iron projectiles, tiles, jade products, round-shaped earthenware, buncheong pottery, blue-and-white porcelain, white porcelain, and inkstones, all of which will be displayed for the first time.
Among these, the stone and iron projectiles found at the military warehouse pond are representative military artifacts that illustrate the operational status of gunpowder weapons used by the navy at the time.
Stone projectiles were rounded stones used as ammunition for gunpowder weapons like cannons, while iron projectiles were metal ammunition made of iron, considered crucial for understanding the types and operational methods of military equipment of that era.
The large quantity of projectiles excavated from the military warehouse pond suggests that the Jeolla Provincial Naval Base was not merely a command facility but also a practical maritime defense base managing weapons and military supplies.
Equally intriguing are the numerous jade products discovered at Building Site No. 3 near the eastern gate.
The excavated jade products show signs of processing, such as grinding, cutting, and drilling, indicating the possibility that jade was processed or related products were manufactured in that area.
These findings are significant as they suggest that the craft and production activities likely continued in the area after the naval base's closure, in addition to its military and administrative functions.
Hwangsan-myeon, located about 5 kilometers east of the Jeolla Provincial Naval Base, is also noted for its history of jade processing.
Historical texts from the Joseon Dynasty, such as the 'Newly Compiled Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam,' record that red jade was produced at Maewolsan in Hwangwon-hyeon.
Additionally, the 'Jeonnam Photo Journal,' published by Mokpo Sinbo in 1917, introduced the jade processing in Haenam Usuyoung as a local specialty, including photographs of stone processing activities.
According to local residents, there were once artisans processing jade in the areas of Namnang-ri and Namha-ri in Munnae-myeon, but the skills have reportedly faded over time.
The excavated jade products and processing traces, along with historical documents and photographs, support the possibility that craft techniques utilizing jade and lead stones developed in the Jeolla Provincial Naval Base area.
However, further archaeological review is needed to determine the exact period when the jade products were made and whether the excavation site was used as a workshop.
This special exhibition is significant as it broadens the understanding of the history of the Jeolla Provincial Naval Base beyond the military activities of the Joseon navy, encompassing the lives and production activities of local residents after its closure.
Jin Ji-eun, head of the Cultural Arts and Historical Cultural Foundation Task Force in Haenam County, expressed hope that the exhibition would provide an opportunity for the community to share the newly revealed history of the Jeolla Provincial Naval Base and its various excavated artifacts. She emphasized the desire to widely promote both the military role of the Joseon navy and the historical and cultural values that continued in the region after its closure.
Meanwhile, the Jeolla Provincial Naval Base served as a central hub for the defense system along the southwestern coast during the Joseon Dynasty, where naval command and military administration took place. Since its designation as a national heritage site, Haenam County has been working to clarify the historical reality of the Jeolla Provincial Naval Base through excavation and site maintenance, and this special exhibition will showcase the significant findings confirmed to date to the community and visitors.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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