This study aims to examine maritime rituals and cultural landscapes as reflected in sea voyage records (haero sahaengnok). The analysis is divided into two parts: maritime rituals and cultural landscapes. In the case of maritime rituals, diplomatic mi...
This study aims to examine maritime rituals and cultural landscapes as reflected in sea voyage records (haero sahaengnok). The analysis is divided into two parts: maritime rituals and cultural landscapes. In the case of maritime rituals, diplomatic missions to Ming China frequently performed various rites, such as memorial ceremonies and sea-god offerings, due to fears of natural disasters, inadequate preparation, and anxiety about barbarians. By contrast, maritime rituals in missions to Japan were rarely observed, except for the sea-god rite at Yeonggadae. With regard to cultural landscapes, the small islands along the route to Ming China not only offered scenic impressions but also revealed cultural features such as settlements of Liaodong residents. Jia Island and Tsushima functioned as gateways and hubs of intermediary trade and diplomacy, while Miao Island served as a ritual site. Envoys also paid attention to inland natural and cultural landscapes, which reflects the multilayered perceptions embedded in the travel records.