KB News Desk
Period: Joseon
Materials: Paper
Dimensions: 40.8×34.0cm (Album)
This album documents the sea voyage undertaken by a Joseon diplomatic mission to the Ming court in 1624 to seek formal recognition of the newly enthroned King Injo (1623–1649).
The original paintings were commissioned and overseen by Yi Deok-hyeong (1566–1645), the mission’s chief envoy. The surviving album, comprising 25 leaves, is believed to have been produced between the late 18th and early 19th centuries as a copy of an earlier work, “Yeonhaengdopok,” created around the time of the voyage.
Hong Ik-han, an official responsible for recording the mission, also wrote a detailed travelogue titled “Hwapo seonsaeng jocheon hanghaerok.” It describes the size of the delegation and recounts incidents that occurred during the journey. In an inscription at the end of the original album, Yi explained that the paintings were intended to serve as a guide for future envoys traveling by sea.
