1850 Korean Woodblock Map of Korea: Haezwa Jeon-do.

A rare discovery, this c. 1850 woodblock map is one of the few early Korean maps of Korea to be found outside of Korea. It is significant on many levels, being a record of Korea following the reign of King Sunjo (조선 순조; 1790 - 1834), a period when Korea was facing increased pressure from foreign powers, including Japan, Russia, and China. It is also significant for illustrating Korea's disputed island, Dokdo.

A Closer Look

The map is described by Lee Chan in his book, Old Maps of Korea,

The outline and content of the map are similar to Jeong Sang-gi's (Dogguk-jido) and describes mountain ranges, river systems, and detailed road networks …. In the margin is written a brief explanation on the ten famous mountains including Baekduson, Geumgangsan (Diamond Mountain), and Scorakasan [as well as] rivers, islands, boundary stones, [and] Japanese settlement in Choryang [and elsewhere]. A note about Baekdusan Mountain, Changbai Mountain, and the boundary stone at Baekkdusan is on a marginal space on the southeast sea off the coast of Hamgyeong-do Province. [Further notes] describe the history and location of Ulleungdo Island on the East Sea, and Tsushima Island to the South. Historical events and facts are included on related locations. … The map is a masterpiece designed to give a general picture o the old and new. [In the left margin, text describes] Old Joseon, Four Chinese Command Posts, the nines states of Silla, and the number of hyeon (counties) and eup (towns) of the eight provinces of Goryeo. … This is also an excellent map in terms of woodblock printing skills.

The Dokdo-Takeshima Dispute

The map includes the islands of Ulleungdo (鬱陵島) and Dokdo (독도 / Liancourt Rocks) off the eastern coast of Korea, closer to the Korean coast and a bit larger than in fact, presumably due to its importance for navigation. In recent decades, disputed sovereignty over Dokdo has become a major impediment in Korean-Japanese relations. The dispute dates back centuries, and both governments have attempted to use historical maps and other documents to support their claims, contributing to the fervent nationalistic sentiments on both sides. This map is used by both sides, with Koreans claiming that the island here mapped east of Ulleungdo is Dokdo, while the Japanese claim it is Jukdo, a subsidiary island of Ulleungdo. Despite various attempts at resolution, including diplomatic negotiations and legal actions, the disagreement remains a contentious issue.

Publication History and Census

The map is undated, and no maker or publisher is identified. Based upon the naming of King Sunjo (조선 순조; 1790 - 1834), the piece was made after 1822 but before the king's posthumous name was declared in 1857. The map is scarce by any measure. Several examples can be found in Korea, but due to strictly enforced and harshly penalized export laws, there are virtually no examples beyond Korean borders.