In preparation for memorial celebrations, scheduled on Admiral Yi's birthday, underwater search for the 400-year-old ships have recently resumed.
Most of the search has been taking place here, around Chilcheondo Island in South Gyeongsang Province.
But why here[Interview : Na Jong-woo, Professor
Dept. of History, Wonkwang University] "The waters off the coast of Chilcheondo were a heated battleground during the Jeongyu War, the second stage of Japan's invasion, which started in the year of Imjin. 140 to 160 ships in our navy were sunk or damaged during this time."
This is the scene of Korea's single naval defeat during the war, which happened when Admiral Yi was temporarily discharged.
Not a pleasant memory for Koreans, but this is the most likely place to find a turtle ship.
"Let's find a turtle ship!"
All set to go!
The crew finally dives in after a long year of research.
Last year they used all available techniques, including sonar scans and seabed imaging, to choose the best sites.
[Interview : Yu Myeong-gyu, Chief
Turtle ship excavation crew] "We've spent a lot of time with high tech equipment poring over the seas. Now our divers will go in to see if all that analysis was right."
The whipping wind and surging seas forced the crew to come back to the ship earlier than expected.
But the returning crew members were not completely empty-handed.
And yet another piece.
Today the crew has hit the jackpot.
The excavation crew discussed their findings.
They can't be sure whether these artifacts are connected with the turtle ships just yet.
We went to Gyeongnam Historical Civilization Research Center where the 44 artifacts retrieved last year are being kept.
Most are pieces from bottles or rice bowls that are attributed to being used by naval officers.
Only three pieces have been dated to the 16th century.
[Interview : Park Sang-eon, Researcher
Historical Civilization Research Center] "Once an artifact sinks in the mud, the lack of air stops any further biological degradation. If we can just find the right location, there's a good chance that it will still be intact."
Though the turtle ships are yet to be found, even these small artifacts bring back a significant piece of history.
[Interview : Na Jong-woo, Professor
Dept. of History, Wonkwang University] "It's like an intricate mosaic that you have to draw out of your findings. You have to determine the era and significance of a find from a single fragment of pottery. All the artifacts we retrieve from the waters are as important as the turtle ship itself."
APR 28, 2009
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in National News |
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Arirang Town
Wednesday, FEB 10, 2010, (KST) 
