All four editions of the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty to be displayed together for first time

The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, distributed among four archives to protect them during times of war, will be displayed together for the first time in a special exhibition marking the Unesco World Heritage Committee meeting in Busan.

The exhibition, titled “Timeless Legacy: Records and Culture of the Joseon Dynasty,” will take place at Busan Museum in Nam District, Busan, from Tuesday to Aug. 30, according to the Korea Heritage Service on Monday. Admission is free, with the museum opening every day except Monday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

The exhibit features more than 190 royal artifacts and documentary heritage collections of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), including the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, a National Treasure and a Unesco Memory of the World. 

The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty became Korea's first Unesco Memory of the World in 1997 alongside the Haerye Edition of Hunminjeongeum, a guide to hangul, the Korean alphabet. Many copies of the annals were destroyed during a Japanese invasion from 1592 to 1598, but a surviving set was kept at the Jeonju Sago, a repository for historic items. The set served as the basis for new editions, subsequently distributed among four state archives at Mount Jeongjok, Odae, Jeoksang and Taebaek.

During the Japanese colonial period (1910-45), some volumes were taken to Japan. But today, the surviving editions are housed separately at institutions including Seoul National University's Kyujanggak Institute for Korean Studies, the National Archives of Korea and the National Palace Museum of Korea. The Busan exhibition marks the first time that the editions from all archives have been brought together in one place.

Among the highlights of the exhibition is the first volume of the Annals of King Taejo, the earliest volume compiled after he founded the Joseon Dynasty, which he ruled from 1392 to 1398. Visitors can compare the distinctive characteristics of each version, with the Jeonju Sago edition preserving the original printing and the Odaesan edition bearing corrections made in red ink.

The exhibition also features other Unesco Memory of the World items, including the Uigwe (Royal protocols of the Joseon Dynasty), Royal Seals and Investiture Book Collection of the Joseon Dynasty and the Document on the Joseon Tongsinsa, alongside a wide range of royal artifacts. The Joseon Tongsinsa were goodwill missions to Japan that took place at the request of the resident Japanese authority.

Portraits of King Yeongjo (r. 1724-76) and King Cheoljong (r. 1849-64), both designated as National Treasures, will also be exhibited.

Other highlights include a red wonsam (a ceremonial topcoat worn by women), a ceremonial robe and phoenix-shaped hair ornament used by Queen Yeongchin (1901-89) and a blue-and-white porcelain jar excavated from the tomb of Princess Hwayu (1740-77), the 10th daughter of King Yeongjo.

Visitors can also view the National Treasure Donggwoldo, a painting depicting Changdeok and Changgyeong Palaces and the approximately 3,000 trees within the palace grounds. The White Porcelain Jar with Landscape, Flower and Bird Design in Underglaze Cobalt Blue, a late Joseon porcelain jar noted for its rich volume and intricate decorative patterns, is also exhibited.

Historic paintings depicting the Choryang Waegwan, the Japanese settlement in Busan during the Joseon Dynasty, and the procession of Joseon Tongsinsa, a Korean embassy mission, will also be exhibited.

The 48th session of the World Heritage Committee will take place in Busan from July 19 through 29 and will mark Korea’s first time hosting the event. Delegations from some 196 countries are expected to gather to discuss key agenda items, including evaluating new World Heritage site nominations and reviewing the conservation status of listed sites.

BY KANG HYE-RAN [[email protected]]