A dam dating back to the early 12th century has been unearthed in one of the areas being developed by the government as part of its river renovation project.

The Foundation of East Asia Cultural Properties Institute said Monday that it discovered the ruins of a river dam assumed to have been built during the Goryeo Dynasty in Jeungsan-ri in the city of Yangsan in South Gyeongsang Province.

The institute said it's very likely that the ancient dam was built to prevent the overflow of the Nakdong River and is the same dam mentioned in various documents of the Joseon Dynasty. The institute said the recent discovery proves that dams were built to prevent the inundation of the Nakdong River during ancient times.

The recent discovery is groundbreaking as it marks the first time that a Goryeo-era dam has been located. The discovery is expected to answer key questions surrounding the flood control policies of Korea’s ancient times.