<<ALT TAG: This map is circular. Korea is at its centre; it features banners that indicate important locations.>>
This map from the 17th century shows Korea at its centre. While Korea interacted with Japan and China regularly, the regions beyond these familiar foes were considered wild, exotic, and dangerous. In fact, regular conflict with regional powers and fear of the outside world led to strong division within the kingdom about foreign policy.
<<ALT TAG: This is an example of Korean script. Its units are broken into syllables, with each syllable featuring the 2-3 characters necessary to make the sound. The characters are very linear and balanced.>>
Thanks to the rise of the Joseon (also known as Chosun) Dynasty, Seoul was now the kingdom’s capital. 1450 was a particularly important year in Seoul, which was then called Hanseong, due to the death of King Sejong the Great. Sejong was responsible for many important reforms in the sciences and the arts, but he is most well-known for his efforts to improve literacy. In fact, he and his scholars created a new written script, called Hangul, to spread literacy throughout the kingdom. The script earned the nickname “morning letters” because it could be learned in a morning.
<<ALT TAG: This painting features Cho Kwang-jo. It is essentially a head shot, focusing on his face.>>
This is Cho Kwang-jo, one of the scholars responsible for the spread of Confucianism in Korea. Many Korean traditional practices were at odds with Confucianism; thus, traditional practices, such as funerary rites and Buddhism, were discouraged or outlawed.
<<ALT TAG: This is typical example of Korean calligraphy. The scroll is quite tall and narrow, not unlike a banner.>>
This calligraphy features the words of Admiral Yi Sun Shin, a key figure in the ongoing struggles between Korea and Japan. It says “Those willing to die will live, and those willing to live will die.” Korea faced invasion from Japan in 1598, and from the Manchu (people living in present-day China) in the 1620s and 1630s.