Dongguk yeoji seungnam

Definition

Dongguk yeoji seungnam is a historical Korean map that represents the geography of Korea and its neighboring regions during the 18th century. This map is notable for its detailed representation of the topography, settlements, and important landmarks of the time, serving both as a geographical reference and as an artistic expression reflecting the period's cartographic practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dongguk yeoji seungnam was created during the late Joseon period, highlighting significant geographical features and settlements across Korea.
2. The map is characterized by its intricate detailing and the use of traditional Korean cartographic conventions, combining artistic elements with geographic information.
3. This map served not only as a tool for navigation but also reflected the political and cultural landscape of Korea in the 18th century.
4. Dongguk yeoji seungnam influenced later cartographic works in Korea and contributed to the understanding of Korean geography in historical contexts.
5. It remains an important artifact for scholars studying Korean history, geography, and the evolution of map-making in East Asia.

Review Questions

• How does dongguk yeoji seungnam reflect the geographic understanding of Korea during the 18th century?
  • Dongguk yeoji seungnam illustrates the detailed knowledge of Korean geography by depicting key landmarks, settlements, and topographical features. The accuracy of these representations shows how Koreans of the time viewed their land and its significance. This understanding was crucial for various aspects such as trade, military strategy, and cultural identity.
• In what ways did dongguk yeoji seungnam influence later developments in Korean cartography?
  • Dongguk yeoji seungnam set a precedent for subsequent maps in Korea by integrating artistic elements with functional geography. Its meticulous detail inspired later cartographers to adopt similar methods in their works. The techniques used in this map helped shape how geography was represented in subsequent periods, influencing both educational materials and official documentation.
• Evaluate the significance of dongguk yeoji seungnam within the broader context of Korean cultural identity during the Joseon Dynasty.
  • Dongguk yeoji seungnam is significant because it encapsulates not just geographic information but also reflects the cultural identity of Korea during the Joseon Dynasty. The map showcases how Koreans understood their land and their place within it, reinforcing national pride and unity. By preserving historical knowledge through cartography, it contributed to a shared cultural heritage that would resonate in later generations, emphasizing the importance of geography in shaping national identity.

Related terms

Joseon Dynasty:

The dynasty that ruled Korea from 1392 to 1910, known for its cultural achievements and the establishment of Confucian state ideology.

Korean Cartography: The art and science of map-making in Korea, which evolved over centuries and incorporates both practical navigation and artistic elements.

Topography: The arrangement of natural and artificial physical features in an area, including mountains, valleys, and human-made structures, often depicted in maps.