The National Research Institute of Maritime Heritage under the Korea Heritage Service said Monday that it will operate an onboard museum and voyage experiences using the Joseon Tongsinsa ship, a symbol of Korea-Japan peace and cultural exchange, in Goheung, Yeosu, Tongyeong and Busan from July 8 to 31, marking the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Busan. The Joseon Tongsinsa ship (historically named "Tongsinsa ship") was reproduced by the institute in 2018 at the same actual size as ships from the Joseon Dynasty, as part of a traditional ship reconstruction research project.
The event will feature lively traditional Korean music performances including pansori and samulnori, and will operate an onboard museum where visitors can view various materials such as videos, paintings, photographs and maps alongside explanations from curators, confirming the achievements of the Joseon Tongsinsa ship's sea route reconstruction and traditional Korean ship-building techniques.
After holding a departure ceremony on Monday morning, the Joseon Tongsinsa ship will depart from 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 included in "Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats Phase 2" on the World Heritage tentative list, and 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 be staged from 9 p.m. on July 11 to commemorate the World Heritage Committee session.
Then in Yeosu (July 17-18), visitors will explore 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 arranged to sail along the major waters of the Battle of Hansan and understand the value of Yi Sun-sin's naval warfare history and maritime culture.
At 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 citizens recruited in advance. The event will present the onboard museum, traditional Korean 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, while also operating an experience program allowing participants to board the Joseon Tongsinsa ship and visit Dongbaek Island or Oryukdo.
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 a living maritime cultural heritage and widely spread the historical value and global significance of our traditional ships and maritime cultural heritage."
The event will also feature photo zones in various locations applying the "Brave Cookie Aboard the Joseon Tongsinsa Ship" character, developed using Devsisters' "Cookie Run" characters.
Meanwhile, the regions the Joseon Tongsinsa ship passes through all encompass areas where 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 finishing the Battle of Myeongnyang in September 1597 (lunar calendar). Earlier, in September 1592, it attacked the then-occupied Busanpo and dealt a major defeat to the Japanese fleet. The reason is that Korea-Japan peace and cultural exchange are ultimately based on strength.
