Hwadong gojido (Old Map of China and Korea)

A world map from the early Joseon period, centred on Joseon and China, depicting the East Asian region. Judging from the wave patterns of the sea (supamyo) and the Chinese era names and place names used, it is presumed to have been made in the mid-16th century. The overall outline of the map is similar to the "Honil gangni yeokdae gukdo ji do" (Map of Integrated Lands and Regions of Historical Countries and Capitals) made in 1402, but the Joseon section is drawn in greater detail and accuracy. Japan, by contrast, is omitted as a landmass, with only its position marked south of Joseon. This method of depicting China and Joseon in detail while marking other regions only by position is thought to reflect a China-centred worldview. On this map the eight provinces of Joseon and the various provinces of China are distinguished by different colours of place name, though the Hamgyeong-do region is so badly worn that the names of its counties and districts are difficult to make out. In the area of the Yellow Sea south of the Shandong Peninsula, the history of the frequently shifting course of the Yellow River is recorded. As a map produced before the Japanese invasions of 1592–98, very few of which survive, it is highly valued as a source for the geographical content of 16th-century East Asia and for showing the actual state of Joseon cartography at the time.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gwanak-gu, Seoul

Designation

Treasure · 보물