Chapter 444
King Sejong’s 20th year (1440, Gyeongshin year)
When August arrived, merchant ships flocked in with the monsoon winds.
These incoming merchant ships dropped anchor at the waiting area established on Dallido, a little distance from the Mokpo Naval Base.
This was one of Joseon’s measures to prevent the landing of infectious diseases.
Merchant ships docked at Dallido, regardless of nationality, had to undergo a mandatory five-day quarantine period before they could enter the trading port built near the Mokpo Naval Base.
The coming and going of these merchant ships was a spectacle for the local residents.
Ships with strange shapes and hulls painted in all sorts of vibrant colors were excellent eye candy. They were also good customers.
Locals in small wooden boats approached the merchant ships to sell fresh fruits, food, and alcohol. The sailors, who hadn’t had proper food during their long voyages, warmly welcomed the locals. As a result, veteran sailors who had made several trips to Joseon not only carried Joseon currency but could also engage in simple Korean conversation.
Though “conversation” mostly consisted of just “Alcohol!” and “Expensive!”