Map of Seoul
1824-34
This map of Seoul was made by the renowned cartographer Kim Jeong-ho from 1824 to 1834, during the late Joseon Dynasty. The woodcut block of this map has been designated as the 853rd treasure of Korea, and is currently housed in the Korea University Museum.
Kim Jeong-ho, with the aim of propagating knowledge of the territory, meticulously delineated mountain ridges, waterways, and transportation routes. In addition, notable administrative and cultural areas and sites are marked with a variety of symbols comparable to today’s cartographic signs. Kim Jeong-ho’s maps are generally regarded as the greatest cartographic achievement in Korea before the modern period; their details and precision compare favorably to modern maps made with advanced surveying equipment and techniques. Kim Jeong-ho’s maps are in the collections of museums in Korea, Japan and the US, including the National Museum of Korea.
Map of Seoul is not just a treasure trove of geographical information on early 19th century Korea; the delicate renderings also lend it artistic merit, and mark it out as a fine example of Korea’s long and distinguished tradition of woodblock printing.
Hanging scroll: Ink on paper
Image: 39 x 26 in.
Overall: 63 1/2 x 33 in.
Purchased with funds from Frank S. Bayley III
2013.9
Provenance: Collection of William J. Rathbun, John A. McCone Foundation, Curator of Asian Art, Seattle Asian Art Museum, retired; Crane Gallery, Seattle; SAM
National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, Republic of Korea
