A powerful dynasty that lasted hundreds of years, the Joseon dynasty rejected Buddhism, turning instead to Neo-Confucianism. Magnificent palaces, shrines, and temples continued to be built.
1392–1897 C.E.
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Four Preaching Buddhas
The representative example of a sixteenth-century Buddhist painting commissioned by the royal Joseon court.
Buncheong Jar with cloud and dragon design
This buncheong jar with cloud and dragon design integrates the Goryeo tradition with elements acquired through cultural exchange.
Yun Du-seo, Portrait of Sim Deukgyeong
Portrait of Sim Deukgyeong is an exemplary work that demonstrates how a gifted artist can capture a person’s spirit in a portrait.
Gujangbok, a ceremonial robe symbolizing the king’s prestige
A “gujangbok” is a ceremonial robe worn by the Joseon king is adorned with nine symbols representing the consummate authority and virtue of the king.
Kim Jeonghui’s calligraphy of Kim Yugeun’s Autobiography of Mukso
Very few original examples of Kim Jeonghui’s regular script have survived, making this work especially valuable.
Kim Jeongho, woodblocks of Daedongnyeojido (“Territorial Map of the Great East”)
In 1861, the great cartographer Kim Jeongho produced the woodblocks and printed the map of Daedongnyeojido (“Territorial Map of the Great East) to create one enormous map of Korea.
White porcelain moon jars
This moon jar is made of plain white porcelain, and it represented the epitome of austere Confucian taste in Joseon Korea
Yi Myeonggi and Kim Hongdo, Portrait of Seo Jiksu
Portrait of Seo Jiksu is an incredibly vivid depiction of the subject.
Royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
The Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty form a collection of 40 tombs scattered over 18 locations.
Hwaseong Fortress
When the Joseon King Jeongjo moved his father's tomb to Suwon at the end of the 18th century, he surrounded it with strong defensive works
Changdeokgung Palace complex
In the early 15th century, the King Taejong ordered the construction of a new palace at an auspicious site.
Jongmyo Shrine
Jongmyo is the oldest and most authentic of the Confucian royal shrines to have been preserved
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