Scholars who shaped the future of Joseon based on the present

Joseon in the 19th century and the world from the viewpoint of Silhak scholars

Joseon was a country of idealists. High-ranking officials as well as kings placed great value on reading and enjoyed philosophical debates on the principles of the universe. Without the two big wars in the 16th and 17th centuries, the Japanese Invasion in 1592 and the Manchu war in 1636, would have the ideals of Joseon prospered forever? Irrespective of the devastation caused by these subsequent wars, Joseon needed a discipline for everyday life. Silhak (Practical Learning School) that emerged in the 18th century consisted of various schools including Gyeongsechiyong, Iyonghusaeng, and Silsagusi, but they had a common goal: finding solutions to social problems based on the understanding of the reality of Joseon.

The Museum of Silhak has more than 1,800 exhibits related to Silhak, including writings and letters of Silhak scholars from the 17th to 19th centuries and daily necessities, maps and dictionaries that the scholars made. The major collection includes a copy of Ahakpyeon compiled by Dasan for children's Chinese character education during his exile in Gangjin, and Asia's first astrolabe (astronomical tool) devised by Silhak scholars, and Gonyeomangukjeondo, a world map created by the Joseon Dynasty.

This museum that preserves the footsteps of Silhak scholars who pursued the idea of "Silsagusi” (searching for the truth from real facts), focuses on programs that allow people to experience Silhak thoughts through various experiences. The Silhak Concert provides audiences with an opportunity to feel the first impression that Western culture might give to Silhak scholars, appreciating Western and Korean traditional music in a comparative way. The Overnight Astronomical Camp invites participants to observe constellations from the viewpoint of Hong Dae-yong, a Silhak scholar who believed in the infinite universe. There are also other programs to experience the world view of Silhak scholars. The museum also operates Dasan Integrity Academy to cultivate integrity that Dasan practiced among civil servants.

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