Exhibition
1883: A Journey Through the Archives
7 Dec 2023 – 27 Jan 2024
Regular hours
- Thursday
- 10:00 – 17:30
- Friday
- 10:00 – 17:30
- Monday
- 10:00 – 17:30
- Tuesday
- 10:00 – 17:30
- Wednesday
- 10:00 – 17:30
Free admission
Address
- Ground Floor, Grand Buildings
- 1-3 Strand
- London
- WC2N 5BW
- United Kingdom
Travel Information
- Nearest tube: Charing Cross or Embankment
- Charing Cross
The KCCUK is pleased to present '1883: A Journey Through the Archives' to commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and the United Kingdom.
About
The KCCUK is pleased to present '1883: A Journey Through the Archives' to commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and the United Kingdom. The exhibition features a wonderful array of materials that presents the encounters between Korea and the UK in the early period of diplomacy in 19th century Joseon.
As Korea began to open its ports in the 19th century, Korea and the United Kingdom formally concluded a treaty of friendship and commerce in 1883. The exhibition sheds light on the era of initial diplomacy between the two nations, centred on the 'Korea-United Kingdom Treaty of 1883', It presents the two countries' views and perceptions of each other at the time of signing of the Treaty, whilst explaining the meaning of trade and diplomatic relations in the complex intertwined history of modern times.
Following the signing of the Treaty in 1883, Korea and Britain began to have substantial encounters. The exhibition provides insights into the various perspective on Korea in the modern era, by showcasing digital archives, British newspaper articles that covered Chosun in the period, the earliest footage of Korea from the era, British travellers and artists’ works focusing on Korea, as well as historical image data and architectural drawings of the British Embassy in Korea and the first Korean Legation in the UK.
This exhibition seeks to provide an opportunity to revisit the historical footprints of Korea and the United Kingdom in each other's countries. Through this, it is hoped that the two nations can better understand the history of their partnership, one that has been built on friendship, shared values, and principles since 1883.