Naju City
52 islands in the southwestern sea, now part of Sinan-gun, Jindo-gun, and Wando-gun, once belonged to Naju, making it the maritime center commanding the “Naju Archipelago.” Naju was also the birthplace of Korea’s earliest traditional markets, which played an important role in supporting the nation’s finances. During the Jeongyu War, when the royal court was discussing military provisions, Ryu Seong-ryong stated, “Provisions for the naval forces must be prepared in Naju for them to be sustained,” confirming Naju’s importance as a maritime hub.
Hoejinpo in Naju: An International Trading Port in East Asia During the Maritime Powerhouse Goryeo Dynasty
Hwangpo Sailboat
Hoejinpo in Dasi-myeon was an international trading port on a route connecting Gyeongju, Daegu, Namwon, Gwangju, Hoejin, the southern Yellow Sea route, the Jianghuai region, and Chang’an. At the time, Chinese students and merchants traveled through Naju, making the city an important gateway for the introduction of advanced culture and knowledge.
The Naju Ship: One of the Largest Vessels to Sail the Yeongsangang River
Based on the remains recovered from the Yeongsangang River, the Naju Ship has been identified as one of Korea’s largest vessels from the period spanning the late Unified Silla era to the early Goryeo Dynasty. The vessel is estimated to have been at least 45 meters long, making it one of the largest ancient ships ever excavated in Korea. It is considered an important artifact for revealing the history of traditional Korean shipbuilding and showcasing Korea’s maritime culture to the world. (Collection of the Naju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage) The vessel demonstrates that throughout history, Naju was a maritime power whose activities centered on the Yeongsangang River—an inland sea.
Naju, the First Gateway for Buddhism and Tea from China
Buddhism was first introduced to Korea through the Yeongsangang River during the Baekje period, arriving at Bulhoesa Temple in 366. Tea was introduced along with Buddhism and was later presented to the royal court during the Joseon Dynasty. Seon Master Choui, revered as the “Saint of Korean Tea,” entered the Buddhist order at Unheungsa Temple in Dado-myeon, where he began learning about tea.
Choi Bu of Naju: Impressing the Chinese Emperor and Demonstrating the Spirit of a Joseon Scholar to the World
Pyohaerok
Choi Bu, born in Donggang-myeon during the reign of King Seongjong of Joseon, was renowned for his scholarship and integrity. Together with Seo Geo-jeong, he contributed to the writing of Dongguk Tonggam, an important historical chronicle of Joseon, demonstrating his keen historical insight. While carrying out a royal mission to apprehend criminals on Jeju-do, Choi learned of his father’s death and set sail for home. His ship was blown off course, however, and eventually reached China. At the time, the Hongzhi Emperor of the Ming Dynasty was impressed by Choi’s dignified spirit and exceptional learning and arranged for his safe return to Joseon. Choi returned home after a six-month journey covering more than 3,456 kilometers. He later wrote Pyohaerok (A Record of Drifting Across the Southern Brocade Sea), a detailed account of the Ming Dynasty’s politics, economy, customs, geography, and culture. It is regarded as one of the world’s three great travel accounts of China.
Moon Sun-deuk of Naju: Drifting to Japan and the Philippines and Becoming Korea’s First Filipino Language Interpreter
Moon Sun-deuk, a skate merchant from Ui-do, Naju, was on his way to purchase skate when his vessel was blown off course. He stayed in Kagoshima and Okinawa in Japan, as well as in the Philippines and Macao, where he learned local languages and closely observed the regional customs and political situations. After three years and two months, he returned home through China. Moon vividly recounted his experiences to Jeong Yak-jeon, who was then living in exile on Ui-do. Jeong compiled Moon’s story under the title Pyohaesimal. When Filipinos drifted to Joseon in 1801, Moon became Korea’s first Filipino language interpreter and played a key role in helping them return home safely.
The First Encounter Between Korea and France in 1851
Maison de France
Onggi Liquor Bottle
In April 1851, 29 crew members of the French whaling ship Narval were shipwrecked on Bigeum-do, which was then under the jurisdiction of Naju-mok. Charles de Montigny, the French consul in Shanghai, visited Bigeum-do to rescue the sailors. There, he attended an official diplomatic dinner with Lee Jeong-hyeon, the magistrate of Naju-mok and Joseon’s representative. At the dinner, the French consul offered champagne, while the Naju magistrate served traditional Korean liquor in a brown onggi vessel. The consul took the vessel home as a keepsake, and it is now held and displayed by the National Ceramics Museum of Sèvres. In 2026, Naju opened Maison de France to commemorate this historic event.
Yeongsangang River: A Garden Where People and Nature Meet Again
Yeongsangang Garden
Choi Bu, born in Donggang-myeon during the reign of King Seongjong of Joseon, was renowned for his scholarship and integrity. Together with Seo Geo-jeong, he contributed to the writing of Dongguk Tonggam, an important historical chronicle of Joseon, demonstrating his keen historical insight. While carrying out a royal mission to apprehend criminals on Jeju-do, Choi learned of his father’s death and set sail for home. His ship was blown off course, however, and eventually reached China. At the time, the Hongzhi Emperor of the Ming Dynasty was impressed by Choi’s dignified spirit and exceptional learning and arranged for his safe return to Joseon. Choi returned home after a six-month journey covering more than 3,456 kilometers. He later wrote Pyohaerok (A Record of Drifting Across the Southern Brocade Sea), a detailed account of the Ming Dynasty’s politics, economy, customs, geography, and culture. It is regarded as one of the world’s three great travel accounts of China.