The National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage under the Cultural Heritage Administration announced on November 5th that it discovered an old sunken ship with 111 pieces of white porcelain as well as two pieces of Buncheong ware off the coast of Mado Island. The two Buncheong wares found inside of the ship are believed to be from around 15th-century Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) while the porcelains discovered near the ship are presumed to be from the 18th or 19th century. According to the research institute, although more research is needed, if the two Buncheong wares are confirmed to have been loaded in the ship, this ship will mark the first discovery of a ship from the Joseon era. Korea discovered 12 ancient vessels in the sea so far and all of them except one from the Unified Silla (676-935) were from the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). 111 pieces of porcelain were recovered in bundles of 10 pieces by type such as bowls, dishes and cups, and the rice straw found underneath the bundles appear to serve as a buffer against the breakage, which indicate the porcelains were shipped as a freight. This ship is named as "Mado 4" following the names of four old sunken ships excavated earlier off the coast of Mado Island such as "Tae-An ship" and "Mado 1, 2, 3." A thorough excavation of the site is scheduled for next April.