The Uigwe is a unique form of documentary heritage, it is a collection of Royal Protocols of the over 500-year-long Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1910). It is categorised by time and theme and comprises over 3,895 books. The Uigwe makes it possible to understand the changes that took place over time in royal ceremonies.
It also captures numerous details across various aspects of the life of the royal family’s life. In addition to documenting the records of procedures, protocols, formalities, and requirements necessary for important ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, banquets, and receptions of foreign missions, it also includes details on the construction of royal buildings and tombs as well as other cultural activities of the royal family.
It was registered as the UNESCO Memory of the World in 2007 for its rarity and historical significance.
Information and images gotten from:
1.National Museum of Korea website https://www.museum.go.kr/ENG/contents/E0606010000.do?catCustomType=united&catId=128&schM=view&arcId=9250
- KOCIS, MCST. 2015. Guide to Korean Culture book
- UNESCO memory of the World website
https://www.unescoicdh.org/eng/print.
