National Incheon Maritime Museum selects 17th-century diary as October artifact

The National Incheon Maritime Museum has selected ‘Geumsidang Yeonhaeng Ilgi’ as its maritime artifact of the month for October. The document is a travelogue written by Im Ui-baek, a Joseon Dynasty official, detailing his 1664 diplomatic mission to Beijing during the Qing Dynasty.

While it was previously believed that only one volume of the two-part record existed, the museum’s collection contains both the ‘Geon’ and ‘Gon’ volumes. This complete set provides a comprehensive view of the 17th-century East Asian political landscape, including the transition between the Ming and Qing dynasties and the reign of the Kangxi Emperor.

Although recorded as a land route journey, the diary contains significant maritime intelligence. It includes details on the movements of Koxinga’s forces in southeastern China and the Qing Dynasty’s implementation of the Great Clearance policy to isolate maritime resistance. The records reflect Im Ui-baek’s proactive interest in maritime defense during his various administrative roles.