Busan Museum-National Palace Museum of Korea Joint Exhibition ‘Records and Culture of the Joseon Dynasty: Conveying Them Across the Globe’
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Busan Museum-National Palace Museum of Korea Joint Exhibition ‘Records and Culture of the Joseon Dynasty: Conveying Them Across the Globe’
□ In collaboration with the National Palace Museum of Korea, the Busan Museum hosts the special exhibition ‘Records and Culture of the Joseon Dynasty: Conveying Them Across the Globe’ from July 7 to August 30, 2026, commemorating the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan.
○ The exhibition traces Joseon’s meticulous record-keeping tradition, royal culture, and international exchanges centered on Dongnaebu (modern-day Busan).
○ On display are UNESCO Memory of the World Register inscriptions from the Joseon royal court—the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, the Diaries of the Royal Secretariat, Ilseongnok (Daily Records of the Royal Court and Important Officials), the Royal Protocols of the Joseon Dynasty, the Royal Seal and Investiture Book Collection of the Joseon Dynasty, and the Documents on the Joseon Tongsinsa. The exhibition also showcases nationally designated heritage items illustrating the majesty and sophistication of the royal family—the Portrait of Yeongjo, the Portrait of Cheoljong, the Painting of the Eastern Palaces, the Blue-and-White Landscape-and-Bird Jar, and the White Porcelain Moon Jar—166 catalogued entries totaling 195 artifacts.
※ 18 National Treasures; 22 Treasures; 12 National Folklore Cultural Heritages; 33 UNESCO Memory of the World Register inscriptions
□ The exhibition is divided into three thematic sections: Joseon's record-keeping system, Joseon royal culture, and diplomatic interactions facilitated by Dongnaebu.
○ Part I: ‘Joseon, the Country of Records’ explores how the Joseon Dynasty faithfully recorded and preserved state administration matters and ceremonies. Part II: ‘Symbols and Dignity of the Joseon Royal Court’ introduces objects that embody prestige and artistic refinement. Part III: ‘Dongnaebu, Joseon's Gateway to the World’ examines the role of Dongnaebu as the hub for renewed diplomatic relations with Japan after the Imjin War, grounded in sincerity and mutual trust, and also demonstrates the legacy of peaceful exchanges through the Documents on the Joseon Tongsinsa.
□ One of the exhibition's most remarkable highlights is the first-ever public presentation bringing together all four extant editions of the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty—the Jeongjoksan, Taebaeksan, Odaesan, and Jeoksangsan editions—in one place.
○ The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty are the official records of the reigns of 25 kings spanning 472 years, from Taejo through Cheoljong. To prevent their loss due to war and fire, the Joseon government stored multiple copies in separate repositories.
○ The Taebaeksan edition, however, is on view through August 2 only. Those wishing to appreciate the complete set of surviving editions and gain insight into the compilation and safekeeping of the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty are encouraged to attend the exhibition before that date.
□ A wide array of supplementary programs further enriches visitors' understanding, including audio guides, docent-led tours, and ‘Into History with Curators.’ Details can be found at museum.busan.go.kr/busan.
□ Admission is free, and the museum is closed every Monday.
○ The museum is open on Monday, August 17, which is a substitute holiday, and instead closes on Tuesday, August 18. During the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee, the museum offers extended hours until 21:00 on July 17, 18, 24, and 25.
○ For inquiries, call 051-610-7145.
□ Meanwhile, ‘Re:moon,’ a companion outdoor project by Han Won-seok, remains installed in the Outdoor Garden through August 30 and is accessible daily until 22:00.
