Wednesday, April 1, 2015

The War Memorial of Korea (전쟁기념관) - Inside

The architects did their jobs, making the building beautiful and somber at the same time.

The walls are lined with names similar to those seen at The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.

A single panel of names.





A drum made to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the ROK (Republic of Korea) Armed Forces.  It represents the Korean people’s hope that the advanced, elite, strong force will contribute to the world in the future.  The tiger pattern represents the dauntless courage of the strong Korean Armed Forces while the ceramic was used to represent the spirit of martyrdom.



The Geobukseon (or turtle ship) is so named because of its resemblance to a turtle. 
  
The prow is fashioned in the shape of a dragon’s head and cannonballs are fired through the mouth.  The stern is in the shape of a turtle’s tail and additional gun ports are stationed under it.  The turtle’s “back” is a roof made of planks and is covered with iron spikes, installed so that the ship may not be invaded by the enemy.  Amid the spikes is a narrow, cross-shaped alley that serves as a passageway for the crews to use.

 
Six gun ports are positioned on each side of the deck and when the enemy approaches, bullets are fired from all directions.  The mast may be erect or laid down to protect the mast and improve mobility.  Note that this replica is likely about 1/10th the size of an original.
 
The hull is made of tough Joseon pine.  The Geobukseon was the first ironclad warship in the world and three were constructed.
 

 
 



Yongsailgi (Joseon Dynasty) - written by Kim Seong-il.
 
Kim Seong-il (1538-1593) was a well-known student of the famous Confucian scholar Toegye. He entered government service at the age of 30 and, in addition to holding various posts, traveled to China and Japan as a member of diplomatic missions. When Japan invaded Korea at the end of the 16th century, he devoted himself to traveling around the region, supporting and encouraging the resistance fighters until his death. He was renowned for his scholarship, and also for his concern for the common people and love for his country.


Samyŏng-gi (military banner) from the Chosŏn Dynasty.
 
The Chosŏn dynasty was the last and longest-lived imperial dynasty (1392–1910) of Korea. Founded by Gen. Yi Sŏng-gye, who established the capital at Hanyang (present-day Seoul), the kingdom was named Chosŏn for the state of the same name that had dominated the Korean peninsula in ancient times. The regime is also frequently referred to as the Yi dynasty, for its ruling family.
 
Ich'ongt'ong (musket) from the Chosŏn Dynasty.
 
(Rear) Soch'ongt'ong (musket) from the Chosŏn Dynasty.
 
(Front) Sosungjach'ongt'ong (musket) from the Chosŏn Dynasty.
 
Ch'adsejon (cannon arrow) from the Chosŏn Dynasty.
 
Samyeonjachongtong (three barrel musket) from the Joseon Dynasty.
 
(Rear) Bikyeokjincheonrwe (explosive shells) were invented by gunsmith Lee Jang-son during the reign of King Seonjo of Joseon.  They were thrown from above or fired by a mortar.
 
(Front) No, their NOT bean keetles . . . they ARE Chillyŏp'ot'ong (wooden cask bombs) from the Chosŏn Dynasty.
 
Gun powder flasks from the Joseon Dynasty.

(Left) Puk (military drum) from the Chosŏn Dynasty.
 
(Right) Chon-go (military drum) from the Joseon Dynasty.


Saddles from the Chosŏn Dynasty.

Najolvok (soldier's uniform) from the Chosŏn Dynasty.

Kugunbok (military uniform) from the Chosŏn Dynasty.

Dop'o (scholar's overcoat) from the Chosŏn Dynasty.

Commander's armor and helmet of metal scales from the Chosŏn Dynasty.

Officer's mercurial armor and helmet from the Chosŏn Dynasty.

Circular shield from the Chosŏn Dynasty.

 
 

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