South Korean troops discovered a 600-year-old firearm that they initially thought was a landmine.

What it means

South Korean troops conducting routine operations mistook a 600-year-old firearm for a landmine. The object, likely a matchlock or early hand cannon from the Joseon dynasty, was safely excavated and identified as a historical artifact rather than an explosive device.

Accuracy & sourcesGrounded

The claim comes from Gizmodo, an aggregated/secondary outlet that does not cite a primary source (e.g., a South Korean military press release or archaeological report). While the core story is plausible and aligns with known historical finds, the lack of a direct primary source means the specific details—such as the exact age and type of gun—should be treated as unconfirmed reporting rather than verified fact.

How new

Genuinely new: the story was published on 2026-10-01, with no indication of older material being recirculated.

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