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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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
Dhratarastra, Guardian King of the East
The huge size of the canvas, the dynamic and decorative lines, and the combination of mineral colors are typical of Buddhist paintings from Korea.
Yun Baek-ha, a calligraphic handscroll
This handscroll is an extremely valuable example of Korean calligraphy
Yi Che-gwan, Portrait of a Confucian scholar
Earlier Korean portraits were more interested in capturing a sense of the sitter's 'spirit' rather than in portraying an actual physical likeness such as this one from the 18th century
White porcelain ‘moon jar’
This moon jar is made of plain white porcelain, and it represented the epitome of austere Confucian taste in Joseon Korea
Portrait of Sin Sukju
Sin Sukju’s attire and posture may be formulaic, but the face is definitely his—wrinkles and all.
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