Daily Busan
'Timeless Legacy: Records and Culture of the Joseon Dynasty' at Busan Museum
Step into the world of the Joseon Dynasty through a special exhibition exploring its meticulous record-keeping tradition. Through Aug. 30, the Busan Museum in Nam-gu District, in collaboration with the National Palace Museum of Korea, is presenting "Timeless Legacy: Records and Culture of the Joseon Dynasty."
The exhibition guides visitors through the remarkable documentary heritage of the Joseon royal court, much of which has been inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. Highlights include "Sillok," the Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty and the Joseon "Tongsinsa," records of Korea's diplomatic missions to Japan.
Visitors can also admire a collection of Korea's National Treasures that reflect the authority and refined culture of the Joseon court. Among the highlights are royal portraits of King Yeongjo, remembered for his far-reaching reforms, and King Cheoljong, who unexpectedly rose to the throne in a night. Other notable exhibits include "Donggwoldo," a detailed painting depicting Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung palaces; the iconic white porcelain moon jar; and a white porcelain blue-and-white jar decorated with landscapes, flowers and birds.
Organized into three sections, the exhibition explores Joseon's sophisticated record-keeping system, the culture of the royal court and Dongnaebu's historical role in diplomacy. The first section, "Joseon: A Kingdom of Records," examines how the dynasty documented and preserved state affairs, royal ceremonies and national events. The second section, "Symbols and Elegance of the Joseon Royal Court," showcases a wide range of royal artifacts. The final section, "Dongnaebu: Joseon's Gateway," highlights the administrative center of present-day Busan during the Joseon Dynasty. It served as the center of diplomatic exchange with Japan following the Imjin War.
The museum offers audio guides available in Korean, English and French, docent-led tours and curator talks exploring the stories behind the artifacts. Admission is free. The museum is closed every Monday, except Aug. 17, which falls on a substitute public holiday. Instead, it will be closed on Aug. 18. For more information, please visit the Busan Museum website.