Saman Tumulus

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.884

Category

Craft

Era

조선시대

Designated year

1986

Location

경주시, 경상북도— 경북 경주시 일정로 186, 국립경주박물관 (인왕동,국립경주박물관)

Coordinates

35.829387, 129.227912

Called samanchong in Korean, this is a small gun made for easy carrying. It is also called samhyeolchong, which literally means “three-chamber gun,” because three barrels were connected to one handle in order to fire three bullets at once. It has total length of 38.2 cm -- the barrel length is 26 cm, and the handle length is 12.2 cm -- and muzzle diameter of 1.3 cm. The main purpose of this gun is killing and wounding, but it is also used for giving a signal. The inscription on the handle provides information on the gun’s production year (1594, sixth year of King Seonjo’s reign), the amount of gunpowder required for firing, and the manufacturer. In the painting Daehan Jeguk donggado (Royal Procession of the Korean Empire) by Chae Yong-sin (1850-1941), a cavalry soldier on horseback is marching with this gun raised high at the front line. Though few more guns similar to this one still remain today, this gun is a highly valuable heritage for the study of the national defense technology as well as the history of Korean traditional firearms.

Location