Military rites were one category of Joseon state ceremonies with systemized protocols and procedures known as the Five State Rites, and rituals related to military activities served as a means to symbolize the king’s command of the armed forces and to reenforce the authority of the Joseon royal court. These military rites included the gangmuui rite in which the king went hunting with his soldiers and the daeyeorui rite held to inspect troops and train them in martial arts. In the late Joseon period, the seollopoui and heongoegui rites were newly established to proclaim military victories.

Moreover, the daesaui rite, where the king practiced archery with his subjects, was added as an important military ritual, equipping Joseon with a complete version of military formalities.
This special exhibition is the first of its kind to trace the full extent of the military rites performed in the Joseon Dynasty. It is hoped that this exhibition will promote a better understanding of the military rites that served as both a source and symbolic representation of military strength over the roughly five hundred years of the Joseon Dynasty.

                        [ Watch 'VR' here ]                         

        [Watch 'Daum Gallery' here]                        [ Watch 'Related Videos' here ]          

I Military Endeavors of the Joseon Dynasty

II Military Rituals of the Joseon Dynasty


Gangmuui–Military Ritual that Combined Training with Hunting






Guilsigui–Military Ritual to Restore the Sun’s Light to the Nation



Gyedongdaenaui–Military Ritual that Dispelled Evil Spirits




Daesaui-Military Ritual where the King Practiced Archery with His Subjects




Seollopoui and Heongoegui–Military Rituals to Proclaim Victory



Daeyeorui-Military Ritual that Demonstrated the Power of the King

1. Armor and Helmet in Red Cotton Flanel with Copper Plates_GRASSI Museum für Völkerkunde zu Leipzig, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden 

   Scimitar_GRASSI Museum für Völkerkunde zu Leipzig, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden 
   Sword with Jade Quillon and Fishskin Grip
2. Armor and Helmet in Red Cotton Flanel_GRASSI Museum für Völkerkunde zu Leipzig, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden   
   Scimitar_GRASSI Museum für Völkerkunde zu Leipzig, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden 
   Sword with Jade Quillon and Fishskin Grip
3. Armor and Helmet in Red Velvet with Iron Plates_Museum am Rothenbaum, Hamburg
    Narrow Sword_GRASSI Museum für Völkerkunde zu Leipzig, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden
    Sword with Fishskin Grip_Korea University Museum
4. Armor and Helmet in Red Cotton Flanel_GRASSI Museum für Völkerkunde zu Leipzig, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden 
   Narrow Sword_GRASSI Museum für Völkerkunde zu Leipzig, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden
   Sword with Jade Quillon and Black Lacquered Grip_Korea Army Museum

5. Armor and Helmet in Red Cotton Flanel_Onyang Folk Museum/Folklore Cultural Heritage No. 28 

   Sword with Red Lacquered Grip_Korea University Museum

   Matchlock Rifle

   Gunpowder Case with Bullet Case_Jinju National Museum of Korea

6. Armor and Helmet in Red Cotton Flanel 

   Sword with Red Lacquered Grip

   Matchlock Rifle_Korea University Museum

   Gunpowder Case_Korea Army Museum 

7. Armor in Yellow Cotton with Iron Plates_Jinju National Museum of Korea

   Helmet_Korea Army Museum 

   Sword with Black Leather Grip

   Shield

8. Armor in Yellow Cotton with Leather Plates_National Museum of Korea

   Helmet_Korea University Museum 

   Sword with Leather Grip

   Shield

A. Signaling Drum_Korea Army Museum

B. Signaling Gong_Korea Army Museum

C. Signaling Cannon_Jinju National Museum

D. Signaling Gun

E. Signaling Horn_Korea Army Museum

F. Signaling Conch Shell Horn_Korea Army Museum

G. Arrow Used in Punishment_GRASSI Museum für Völkerkunde zu Leipzig, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden

H. Arrow Delivering Orders of the King

I. Arrow Delivering Orders of a Gerneral_GRASSI Museum für Völkerkunde zu Leipzig, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden

1. Flag Representing the King

2. Flag Marking the Center of the Camp

3. Flag Marking the North Garrison

4. Flag Marking the South Garrison

5. Flag Marking the West Garrison

6. Flag Marking the East Garrison

7. Flags Indicating Each Gate of a Garrison

8. Flag Marking a Camp in Each Cardinal Point

9. Corner Flags

10. Flags Representing Garrisons

11. Flag Representnig a General 

12. Pennon of a Flag Representing a General

13. Flag Delivering Orders of the King

14. Flag Indicating Being on Petrol

15. Flag Held at the Front of the Formation to Lead the Military Unit

16. Flag Commanding the Gong and Drum Player

17. Flag Hung at a General’s Quarters

18. Hook Spear