South Korean soldiers unearth country's oldest gun during mine-clearing operation

South Korean troops conducting landmine clearance operations have uncovered a significant historical artifact—a small bronze cannon believed to be the oldest firearm ever found in the country. The weapon, identified as a Hwangja Hwatong, dates to the 14th or 15th century, placing it within the era of Korea's Goryeo and early Joseon dynasties.

The discovery was made during routine mine-clearing activities, with the artifact retrieved from beneath the soil in a remarkably preserved condition. Experts note that the bronze gun's intricate engravings and construction details offer rare physical evidence of the technological sophistication achieved by Korean craftsmen during the medieval period.

Historians view the find as invaluable for understanding the development of firearm technology on the Korean peninsula and the military tactics employed during dynastic transitions. The detailed examination of the Hwangja Hwatong is expected to enhance scholarly knowledge of how Korean states adopted and adapted early gunpowder weapons during this transformative era.

The artifact has been secured by authorities for further archaeological study and preservation. Such discoveries during demining operations occasionally yield historical treasures, adding another dimension to South Korea's ongoing efforts to clear landmines from the Korean peninsula.