Seoul Museum of History Special Exhibition on the Joseon TongsinsaBonds of the Heart, Waves of Resonance
Venue: Special Exhibition Halls A & B, Seoul Museum of History
Dates: Fri, Apr. 25 – Sun, Jun. 29, 2025
Host: Seoul Museum of History
Special Thanks: Osaka Museum of History, Edo-Tokyo Museum, National Institute of Korean History
Sponsors: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE)
About
- Tracing back to the resonance of peaceful diplomacy between Korea and Japan through the heritage of cultural exchanges
- Exhibition from Apr. 25 to Jun. 29, the largest in four decades since 1985
- Compilation of the Joseon Tongsinsa’s legacy, featuring 128 pieces, including UNESCO World Heritage, from 18 domestic and international institutions
- Offering immersive videos from globally renowned artists and hands-on content for all audiences
This year stands as an opportunity to look back on Korea’s relationship with Japan, as it marks the 60th anniversary of re-establishing diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan while also celebrating the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation. Japan is Korea’s closest neighbor, but the two countries have many problems to solve before they can take a step closer to each other. The two nations will be able to create a new turning point by looking back on the past and deep into the present.
Here, Bonds of the Heart, Wave of Resonance sheds light on the significance of trust and exchanges among countries and individuals through the history of the Joseon Tongsinsa. ‘Tongsinsa’ refers to Korea’s diplomatic delegation and system during the Joseon dynasty, but it goes beyond the boundaries of simple diplomatic and cultural exchanges. That is because the two countries built a consistent relationship based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding, building friendships and strengthening the bond between the peoples of both nations.
History is more than a record of history—it is the power that binds the present and future. The historical legacy of the Joseon Tonginsa binds countries with their people, diplomacy with cultural exchange, and the past with the present. Through this exhibition, we hope you will reflect on the meaning of ‘Tongsinsa diplomacy,’ which strove for peace built on trust, and ruminate on the path to be taken for our future.
