The Story of Culture and Arts

Scenario

The Cape of Good Hope, the southernmost tip of Africa, was discovered by a Portuguese explorer in 1488. It was an historical watershed that opened the sea route from Europe to India.

However, did you know that a map that marked the Cape of Good Hope existed in Joseon Korea, 86 years prior to discovery by Dias?

This is a world map created in 1402 during the rule of Joseon’s King Taejong. From its title, 'Integrated Map' means the areas that have formed a complete whole as the world, and 'Historical Capitals' mean the capitals in the past.

The Integrated Map of Historical Capitals is recognized as the first world map that marked Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, and West Asia in addition to Korea, Japan, and China.

According to the postscript, this map was newly edited and referenced one map of the Joseon Dynasty, one map of Japan, and two maps imported from China. We can surmise from the detailed information available on West Asia, Europe, and North Africa that maps based on Islamic maps were used as references.

“You can know the world without leaving your home, and knowing the distance between regions from the map will help you rule this kingdom.”

Mapmaking was a national undertaking that was led by high-ranking officials. What message was the Joseon Dynasty trying to convey through its detailed and precise maps?

The Joseon Dynasty drawn to a relatively larger scale!
A view of the world showing detailed information on not just East Asia but also West Asia, Europe and North Africa! Through its world map, the Joseon Dynasty proclaimed to the world that a new era named Joseon had begun.