The National Research Institute of Maritime Heritage under the Korea Heritage Service will operate an onboard museum and sailing experiences using the Joseon Tongsinsa envoy ship, a symbol of Korea-Japan peace and cultural exchange, in Goheung, Yeosu, Tongyeong, and Busan through July 31, the institute said Monday, to commemorate the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session held in Busan. The Joseon Tongsinsa ship (historically called the "Tongsinsa ship") was recreated by the institute in 2018 as part of a traditional vessel reproduction research project, built to the same actual size as ships from the Joseon Dynasty.
The event will feature lively traditional music performances such as pansori and samulnori. An onboard museum will also operate, where visitors can view various materials including videos, paintings, photographs, and maps with explanations from curators, and learn about the achievements of recreating the Joseon Tongsinsa ship's sea route and traditional Korean shipbuilding techniques.
The Joseon Tongsinsa ship will depart Mokpo on July 8 and head to its first destination, Goheung (July 11-13), sailing along major waters including the Goheung tidal flats, which are part of "Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats Phase 2" on the World Heritage tentative list, while introducing regional maritime heritage. In particular, at Nokdong Port in Goheung, a drone show and maritime fireworks show themed on Korea's World Heritage sites will take place from 9 p.m. on July 11 to commemorate the World Heritage Committee session.
Next, in Yeosu (July 17-18), participants will tour maritime cultural heritage sites set against Yi Sun-sin-related heritage such as the Yeosu tidal flats on the World Heritage tentative list and the Jeolla Left Naval Command. In Tongyeong (July 21-22), an opportunity will be provided to sail along the major waters of the Battle of Hansan Island and understand the value of Yi Sun-sin's naval war history and maritime culture.
In the final stop of Busan (July 25-26), the event will be held for major domestic and international figures, including delegations from World Heritage Committee member states, and pre-recruited citizens. The event will present an onboard museum, traditional music performances, and traditional dancheong paintwork embodying the historical significance of the Joseon Tongsinsa ship, promoting the excellence of Korea's traditional shipbuilding technology to the international community. An experience program will also allow participants to board the Joseon Tongsinsa ship and visit Dongbaek Island or Oryukdo Islets.
The Joseon Tongsinsa ship will return to Mokpo from July 28 to 31.
The National Research Institute of Maritime Heritage explained, "Through this event, we plan to utilize the Joseon Tongsinsa ship as living maritime cultural heritage and widely spread the historical value and global significance of our traditional vessels and maritime cultural heritage."
At the event, photo zones featuring the "Brave Cookie Aboard the Joseon Tongsinsa Ship" character, developed using Devsisters Corp.'s "Cookie Run" characters, will also be available in various locations.
Meanwhile, the regions the Joseon Tongsinsa ship will pass through encompass all areas where Admiral Yi Sun-sin's fleet fought battles or was stationed during the Imjin War and the Jeongyu War. Yi Sun-sin's fleet was briefly stationed in Mokpo after completing the Battle of Myeongnyang in September 1597 (lunar calendar). Earlier, in September 1592, the fleet attacked the then-occupied Busanpo and inflicted a major defeat on the Japanese fleet. This reflects the view that Korea-Japan peace and cultural exchange are ultimately based on strength.
