Ancient Relics Unveiled

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In our next story, the public will get its first look at relics found on Neukdaedo Island, once home to a trade port used by Korea, China and Japan in the second century B.C. Here’s more.

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Ancient relics that were found on Neukdo Island in Sacheon, Gyeongsangnam-do Province more than 30 years ago were designated as national historic relics. Tens of thousands of Japanese and Chinese earthen vessels and relics from the Samhan period were discovered, dating back to the second century B.C. More than a thousand relics that were excavated at the time have been unveiled to the public for the first time. The relics found on Neukdo Island bear traces of trade with ancient Japan. Some 160 relics from Kyushu, Japan - Korea's main trade partner at the time - will be put on display alongside the Neukdo relics to demonstrate their similarities.

[Soundbite] Lee Dong-kwan(Jinju Nat'l Museum) : "It's the largest amount of such unusual relics to be found on the Korean Peninsula. They show that Neukdo Island was an East Asian trade center at the time."

Coins from the ancient Chinese city of Nakrangkuk attest to the status of Neukdo Island as a trade hub connecting Korea, China and Japan.

[Soundbite] Lee Hu-kyung(Visitor) : "It's good to see so many relics in one place. It was an opportunity to learn more about Neukdo Island."

The exhibition sheds light on sea trade between ancient Korea, China and Japan, and will last through October.