JOSEON TONGSINSA

1763, the 39th year of King Yeongjo’s reign In Joseon, discussions arise about sending a diplomatic delegation to Japan to congratulate the new shogun, Tokugawa Ieharu, on his appointment. Ultimately, Jo Eom, a former governor of Pyeongan Province, is chosen as the chief envoy. A total of 472 members join the delegation, which travels to Edo Castle in Japan. The group is composed of scholars skilled in poetry and calligraphy, horseback acrobats, and performers in arts such as Go, dance, singing, musical instruments, percussion, and various other traditional skills. Among them is the young prodigy painter of late Joseon, Kim Hong-do, who joined the delegation at the age of 19. As an official artist of the Dohwaseo (the Royal Academy of Painting) he is eager to explore new experiences. He seized the opportunity to embark on the year-long grand journey as part of the delegation. The story highlights significant events such as the Sea God Festival at Yeonggidae in Dongnaeseong, the introduction of sweet potato seeds from Tsushima, an encounter with the siblings Toshu and Saraku in Shimonoseki, Kabuki performances, and Japanese sumo wrestling. It also portrays the hospitality, trust, and respect shown by the Japanese toward the Joseon diplomatic mission. The narrative captures the atmosphere of Osaka Castle, the Korean “Nose Tomb” in Kyoto (a burial site for severed noses from the Imjin War), and the equestrian acrobatics performed at Edo Castle. Despite repeated attempts by a spy planted by the Noron faction to sabotage the delegation, the spy ultimately abandons all malicious intentions after witnessing the unity of the delegation and the transformative power of nature and culture. The story concludes with the unfulfilled love between Kim Hong-do, representing Korean art, and Kumiko, symbolizing Japanese Kabuki. The final scenes revisit the journey of the Joseon delegation, leaving a lasting impression of their historic mission.