Sechongtong

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.854

Category

Craft

Era

조선시대

Designated year

1986

Location

노원구, 서울특별시— 서울 노원구 공릉동 사서함 77-1호 육군박물관

Coordinates

37.623359, 127.090590

This is a portable firearm made during the reign of King Sejong (r. 1418-1450), with total length of 13.8 cm, inside diameter of 0.9 cm, and outside diameter of 1.4 cm. As for its shape, there are two joints between the power chamber into which gunpowder is put and the gun barrel, with the power chamber part made slightly thick. As the smallest type of firearm, it was invented in 1432 (14th year of King Sejong’s reign). Since its shooting range was only 200 footsteps, however, there were debates as to whether it should be maintained or abolished. After a large quantity of these narrow guns were sent to Pyeongan-do Province in 1437, it came to be widely used because it was convenient even for children and women to carry and handle. Another strong point was that, when fighting an enemy, it could be carried while on top of a horse and could be shot consecutively. Both the external form and the inside have been preserved well without any dent. It is a cultural heritage item considered to be Korea’s smallest form of firearm, cast with an excellent manufacturing technique.

Location