National Jinju Museum Special Exhibition “Firepower Joseon

February 22, 2022 361 Views

Located within Jinju Fortress, the. “National Jinju Museum” is a. specialized museum dedicated to the Imjin War. It exhibits artifacts related to the Imjin War, as well as relics from the western Gyeongnam region and donations from Duam Kim Yong-du. Additionally, the museum hosts special exhibitions periodically.

“National Jinju Museum”

The Jinju Museum is divided into three. main sections:

Imjin War Room: Displays artifacts related to the Imjin War, showcasing items from the Joseon, Japan, Ming dynasties, as well as weaponry and related artwork.
Historical and Cultural Room: Exhibits artifacts related to Gaya and the western Gyeongnam region.
Special Exhibition Room: Only open during special exhibitions.

“National Jinju Museum Special Exhibition: Firepower Joseon”

The special exhibition “Firepower Joseon is being held in the planning exhibition room of the National Jinju Museum. The exhibition period is from September 17, 2021, to March 6, 2022.

This exhibition sheds light on the firearms of the late Goryeo and Joseon periods, encompassing various small arms from the Korean Peninsula. It is a comprehensive exhibition, covering the development of firearms from the early days of gunpowder in Korea to the Joseon gun.

The exhibition is organized into a prologue (the dawn of the gunpowder era), Part 1 (development of Joseon firearms), Part 2 (secrets of Firepower Joseon), and an epilogue. There is also a separate section dedicated to the Joseon Firearms Research Institute.

“Firepower Joseon Exhibition”

Prologue “Dawn of the Gunpowder Era”: Examines the history of gunpowder, which transformed from a medicinal ingredient to a weapon of destruction, showcasing materials related to gunpowder’s origin, including books like ‘Pobakja’ representing Daoist alchemy in China, and records of gunpowder as medicine in ‘Boncho Gangmok.’
Part 1 “Development of Joseon Firearms”: Explores how Joseon developed firearms to effectively combat external threats. It covers the late Goryeo and the establishment of an advanced system for gunpowder and firearms during the reigns of King Sejong to King Munjong. It also highlights the significant transformation of firearms development led by figures like Seungja Chongtong in the late 16th century and overcoming the Imjin War with gunpowder weapons.
Part 2 “Secrets of Firepower Joseon”: Reveals hidden stories of gunpowder weapons that were not well-known before. It introduces artisans who, through relentless efforts, created firearms by overcoming chronic gunpowder shortages, and examines the military technology center, Gunghisi, which was the cradle of Firepower Joseon, producing various gunpowder weapons. Additionally, it presents firearms used not only as weapons but also for fireworks displays and warding off evil spirits.
Epilogue: From ‘Gojongtong’ to K2 rifles, presents a visual overview of the lineage of personal firearms on the Korean Peninsula. It then concludes the exhibition with the “Joseon Weapons Research Institute Gunpowder Weapons Research Lab,” a space where visitors can experience and view research results on small arms conducted by the National Jinju Museum.

This exhibition provides a well-organized collection of information on Joseon’s gunpowder weapons and is a valuable resource not found elsewhere. It is a must-see for those interested in war and weaponry, and it seems that the National Jinju Museum has done an exceptional job in presenting and organizing content related to the Imjin War and warfare, surpassing other museums.

“National Jinju Museum”