The Beginning of Voyages

The advancement of astronomical observation technique, science, and more accurate nautical charts and navigation tools, people could make successful voyages.

By National Maritime Museum of Korea

Korea National Maritime Museum

Nautical InstrumentNational Maritime Museum of Korea

In the early days of navigation, the unexplored ocean was considered hostile and dangerous. The sailors in the early days could sail around the world noticing the stars on the sky and relying on their experiences. Yet they could not just depend on their experiences when they were sailing along the sea routes to get to the new continents passing through the unknown waters. As their wishes became even clearer, their desire for wealth also grew stronger. With the advancement of astronomical observation technique, science, and more accurate nautical charts and navigation tools, people could make successful voyages.

Illustration of ColumbusNational Maritime Museum of Korea

"The sea will grant each man new hope,
as sleep brings dreams of home."
Christopher Columbus

On the Mystery of the Sea by Dudley On the Mystery of the Sea by Dudley (1646/1667) by Robert DudleyNational Maritime Museum of Korea

On the Mystery of the Sea by Dudley
Robert Dudley | Italy, 1646~67

The first sea atlas to use the Mercator projection was entitled Dell'arcano del Mare, produced in Italy by English explorer and cartographer Robert Dudley (1574–1649). Organized into three volumes comprising 146 nautical charts of the entire known world, this six-part work is a compendium of knowledge for maritime voyages on such topics as navigation, shipbuilding, astronomy, and the Mercator projection.

On the Mystery of the Sea by Dudley On the Mystery of the Sea by Dudley, Robert Dudley, 1646/1667, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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The greatest originality of "On the mystery of the sea" is the world's first map book produced by the Mercator projection.

On the Mystery of the Sea by Dudley On the Mystery of the Sea by Dudley (1646/1667) by Robert DudleyNational Maritime Museum of Korea

The work contains two charts depicting Korea, shown as an elongated oval. It bears the Italian inscription “Kingdom of Corai, is a peninsula” (Regno di Corai, é penisola), and the East Sea is represented as the “Sea of Korea” (Mare di Corai).

Sea Atlas by Goos Sea Atlas by Goos (1666) by Pieter GoosNational Maritime Museum of Korea

Sea Atlas by Goos
Pieter Goos | Netherlands, 1666

The first edition of De Zee-Atlas Ofte Water-Wereld, a sea atlas produced in 1666 by Dutch cartographer Pieter Goos (1616–1675), was comprised of 41 nautical charts and included names of the regions of Asia.

Sea Atlas by Goos Sea Atlas by Goos, Pieter Goos, 1666, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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Sea Atlas by Goos Sea Atlas by Goos, Pieter Goos, 1666, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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Sea Atlas by Goos Sea Atlas by Goos (1666) by Pieter GoosNational Maritime Museum of Korea

Rich in pigments and highlighted in gold, the finely-engraved charts were hand-colored on high quality paper. Numerous maritime atlases were subsequently published based on Goos’ Atlas.

Small Sea Atlas by Bellin Small Sea Atlas by Bellin (1764) by Jacques-Nicholas BellinNational Maritime Museum of Korea

Small Sea Atlas by Bellin
Jacques-NiCholas Bellin | France, 1764

A sea atlas produced by Jacques-Nicolas Bellin (1703–1772), a French court hydrographer.

Small Sea Atlas by Bellin Small Sea Atlas by Bellin, Jacques-Nicholas Bellin, 1764, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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Organized into five volumes, its third volume on Asia and Africa includes a map of Joseon.

Small Sea Atlas by Bellin Small Sea Atlas by Bellin (1764) by Jacques-Nicholas BellinNational Maritime Museum of Korea

On which the East Sea is labeled as the Sea of Korea (Mer de Corée).

New Sea Atlas by Broukner New Sea Atlas by Broukner (1749) by Issac BrouknerNational Maritime Museum of Korea

New Sea Atlas by Broukner
Issac Broukner | Germany, 1749

The atlas contains 14 maps and its 2nd and 8th maps depict the Korean Peninsula. On the second map with the long title of 「The widely recognized map in 1749, which draws the world based on the most practical and realistic observations」, it draws the Korean Peninsula in the middle of the without its name on it.

New Sea Atlas by Broukner New Sea Atlas by Broukner (1749) by Issac BrouknerNational Maritime Museum of Korea

The title of the 8th map is 「The nautical chart of the part of the East Indies above the equator and Asia, 1749」 and it has the Korean Peninsula in the middle. “LA COREE” (the land of the Joseon dynasty) and “Cior ou Kinkitato” (Gyeonggi Province) are written on the middle of the Peninsula.

New Sea Atlas by Broukner New Sea Atlas by BrouknerNational Maritime Museum of Korea

Portolan Chart by Bartholomeo Portolan Chart by Bartholomeo (1550) by Bartholomeo OlivesNational Maritime Museum of Korea

Portolan Chart by Bartholomeo
Bartholomeo Olives | Italy, 1550

The parchment map is the work of the most prominent chart maker of the day, Bartholomeo Olives. In Italian “Portulano” means “the description of the ocean” and the chart contains the detailed geographical information that helps sail the ocean, such as coastlines, reef sites and the like. Though the Portolan Chart was basically produced to sail the Mediterranean, it became widely used to cross the Atlantic when the Age of Discovery began.

Portolan Chart by Bartholomeo Portolan Chart by Bartholomeo, Bartholomeo Olives, 1550, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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Portolano chart was relatively inexpensive since the chart was used for practical purposes generally. However, the chart has not only the practicality but also the artistic value embodying the quintessential Portolan Chart

Portolan Chart by Bartholomeo Portolan Chart by Bartholomeo, Bartholomeo Olives, 1550, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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Portolan Chart by Bartholomeo Portolan Chart by Bartholomeo, Bartholomeo Olives, 1550, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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Portolan Chart by Bartholomeo Portolan Chart by Bartholomeo (1550) by Bartholomeo OlivesNational Maritime Museum of Korea

Also, the picture of the holy mother and Jesus are depicted on the chart showing his religious faith and a compass is displayed beneath the holy mother with his name, the date of production and the manufacturing location (Naples, 1550).

Portolan Chart by Monnus Portolan Chart by Monnus (1619) by MonnusNational Maritime Museum of Korea

Portolan Chart by Monnus
Monnus | Italy, 1619

This is a portolan chart on parchment made around 1619 near Genova, Italy.

Portolan Chart by Monnus Portolan Chart by Monnus, Monnus, 1619, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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The chart maker’s name (Monnus) and the date of production (xviiii=1619) are written on the parchment nautical chart, and a middle line being inclined 8 degrees which is the commonly noticed characteristic of nautical charts is drawn. As with the other Portolan charts, it depicts the ports and coastlines in detail to help sail the ocean and different sizes of 14 compasses are placed on the chart helping identify the bearings quickly.

Portolan Chart by Monnus Portolan Chart by Monnus, Monnus, 1619, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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The practical form of nautical charts drawn on sheepskins or calfskins, containing the geography and the points of the compass was the most common type in the early days. However, after the 14th century, splendidly colored symbols related to religion and astronomy were included. The names of the places around the Mediterranean are written on Monnus’s chart and religious illustrations, compasses and others are added and decorated with gold leaf.

Celestial Globe Gores by Coronelli (1965) by Marco Vincenzo CoronelliNational Maritime Museum of Korea

Celestial Globe Gores by Coronelli
Marco Vincenzo Coronelli | 1965

The celestial globe gores were reprinted and colored in 1965 from the copperplate containing an engraved celestial map produced by an Italian geographer and monk, Coronelli in the late 1600s. When two set of 12 pieces of upper and lower parts for each, 24 pieces in total, are assembled, a celestial globe which is 110cm in diameter is made. On the Gores constellations are artistically visualized with its name below, such as Gemini, Cancer, Leo and others in different languages like Italian, French, Latin and Greek.

A Pair of Globes by Adams Family A Pair of Globes by Adams Family (1797) by Adams Family; George Adams, Dudley AdamsNational Maritime Museum of Korea

A Pair of Globes by Adams Family
Adams Family; George Adams, Dudley Adams | UK, 1797

A set of navigational terrestrial and celestial globes made by the Adams family of England. To facilitate identification of the directions of sea routes, compasses are attached to the base.

A Pair of Globes by Adams Family A Pair of Globes by Adams Family, Adams Family; George Adams, Dudley Adams, 1797, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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The terrestrial globe shows the routes of the second and third voyages of Captain James Cook of England. Meanwhile, the East Sea is labeled as the Sea of Korea (Mare Corea) and the Straits of Korea as Fretum Corea.

A Pair of Globes by Adams Family A Pair of Globes by Adams Family, Adams Family; George Adams, Dudley Adams, 1797, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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A Pair of Globes by Newton & Son A Pair of Globes by Newton & Son (1846) by Newton & Son; William Newton, William E. NewtonNational Maritime Museum of Korea

A Pair of Globes by Newton & Son
Newton & Son; William Newton, William E. Newton | UK, 1846

This set of terrestrial and celestial globes was produced by English globe makers William Newton (1786–1861) and William E. Newton (1818–1879), of Newton & Sons.

A Pair of Globes by Newton & Son A Pair of Globes by Newton & Son, Newton & Son; William Newton, William E. Newton, 1846, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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The terrestrial globe shows the routes of the voyages of Captain James Cook.

A Pair of Globes by Newton & Son A Pair of Globes by Newton & Son, Newton & Son; William Newton, William E. Newton, 1846, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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A Pair of Globes by Newton & Son A Pair of Globes by Newton & Son (1846) by Newton & Son; William Newton, William E. NewtonNational Maritime Museum of Korea

The East Sea of Korea is labeled as the Gulf of Corea.

A Pair of Globes by Newton & Son A Pair of Globes by Newton & Son (1846) by Newton & Son; William Newton, William E. NewtonNational Maritime Museum of Korea

A Pair of Pocket Globes by Lane A Pair of Pocket Globes by Lane by Nicholas LaneNational Maritime Museum of Korea

A Pair of Pocket Globes by Lane
Nicholas Lane | UK, 19th Century

It is a pair of portable celestial and terrestrial globes and the terrestrial globe displays latitude, longitude and the ecliptic.

A Pair of Pocket Globes by Lane A Pair of Pocket Globes by Lane, Nicholas Lane, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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Above the Pacific Ocean indicated on the surface “LANE’s Improved GLOVE. –LONDON” is written. Korea is clearly marked as “Corea”.

Astrolabe by Goes Astrolabe by Goes by Sebastiao De GoesNational Maritime Museum of Korea

Astrolabe by Goes
Sebastiao De Goes | Portugal, 16th Century

The word “astrolabe” can be traced back to the Greek words for “star” (ἄστρον or astron) and “take” (λαβ- or lambanein), thus meaning “star-taker.” Ancient Greek astrologers used it in locating the positions of the sun and stars, and it was also used for determining local time and latitude and for surveying. When astrolabes were first invented, their primary use was to survey the altitude of the sun, moon, and stars above the horizon, but as astronomy and mathematics evolved, they provided even more information. An astrolabe is a very delicate and sensitive instrument, so when it is used at sea, even the slightest movement of a boat can make a huge impact on observations based on the astrolabe. For that reason, special mariner’s astrolabes were produced from the 15th century for navigational use.

Astrolabe by Goes Astrolabe by Goes, Sebastiao De Goes, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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This astrolabe bears the engraved name of SEBASTIAO DE GOES, a famous Portuguese manufacturer.

Astrolabe AstrolabeNational Maritime Museum of Korea

Astrolabe
Netherlands,1643

Since the astrolabe has been well-preserved, the golden color of brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, is clearly seen. There are small rings and 3 spokes inside the big wheel-shaped body.

Astrolabe Astrolabe, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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Astrolabe Astrolabe, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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Nocturnal Nocturnal (1588)National Maritime Museum of Korea

Nocturnal
France, 1588

A nocturnal, or night-dial, is an instrument that measures local time based on the relative locations of specific stars, and is used at night primarily for navigation. Knowing the time was important in calculating tides during navigation, and some nocturnals incorporated tide charts for key ports.

Nocturnal Nocturnal (1588)National Maritime Museum of Korea

This nocturnal consists of three copper discs or dials placed one on top of another. The outer disc shows the twelve months of the year and the middle disc shows dates and hours, while the innermost disc has a rotating alidade, or pointer.

Nocturnal Nocturnal, 1588, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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Nocturnal Nocturnal, 1588, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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Nocturnal Nocturnal (1588)National Maritime Museum of Korea

On the back of the disc is the word ‘Damien Peion a Trois’, assumed to be the producer it was made.

Nocturnal Nocturnal, 1588, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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Nocturnal Nocturnal, 1588, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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Nocturnal NocturnalNational Maritime Museum of Korea

Nocturnal
Germany, Early 17th Century

The nocturnal produced in the early 17th century in Germany was used to measure the time based on the location of a star at night. As well as the time, the length of the night, the phase and the transit time of the moon, and others can be figured out by using the instrument. It is simplified from the ring structure with three layers to two layers and the size is a bit small. It has Hour ring and Date ring on its front and back.

Nocturnal Nocturnal, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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Nocturnal Nocturnal, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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There is Lunar ring on the front of Hour ring with its arm. A phrase, “Ratio styli navi (a calculating aim for navigation)” is inscribed.

Compass Compass (1750) by David TrapNational Maritime Museum of Korea

Compass
David Trap | Netherlands, 1750

It is a tool to find the direction of the magnetic line by rotating the magnet around the horizontal axis. it is called Compass in the sense that it divides the circle into azimuth. The ivory case contains a hand-painted azimuth table with a raised needle at the top.

Compass Compass, David Trap, 1750, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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Made in the 18th century, it bears the signature and crest of the compass-maker David Trap inside the lid.

Compass Compass by H. WildaaNational Maritime Museum of Korea

Compass
H. Wildaa | Netherlands, 1782

This compass is believed to have been used on a ship of the Dutch East India Company. The directions can be seen from either side of the compass. The upper side is marked with 8 directions in Dutch: Oost (East), S(Z)uiden (South), West (West), etc.

Compass Compass, H. Wildaa, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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On the other side, the 8 directions are indicated with painted Anemoi, classical wind gods of the four directions, and a sea monster is also depicted.

Compass Compass, H. Wildaa, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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The inner corner of the compass is marked “H.W.,” presumably the maker’s signature, and “1782”, assumed to be the year it was made.

CompassNational Maritime Museum of Korea

Compass
Netherlands, 1700s

It is the dry compass used by the ships of the Dutch East Indie Company. The East Indie Company from many countries served as the outpost of colonization and tried to dominate the east trade market competing with each other for the monopoly of trade. The metal compass is fastened on the rectangular wooden box and the signature of Captain Joseph Nickerson is marked on it.

CompassNational Maritime Museum of Korea

Binnacle
Scotland, UK, 20th Century

The three different types of Binnacles are mostly equipped on yachts. All the binnacles are made of brass and welded or bolted. Among the binnacles, the binnacles in the middle and on the right side have the panels added on the outside and the panels have the name of the production company, model, serial number and the like.

Universal Ring Dial by William WatkinsNational Maritime Museum of Korea

Universal Ring Dial
William Watkins | UK, 17~19th Century

Universal equinoctial ring dial is shortened to and commonly called universal ring dial and it has the simplest western structure of Equatorial armillary sphere. Especially since it can function in any given latitude by moving the suspension ring, the word “universal” is given. And since it is small, thin and foldable, it is also classified as a type of portable sundial or pocket sundial. Based on the Astronomer’s ring mentioned by Gemma Frisius, a Dutch mathematician and cartographer in the 1500s, a British mathematician, William Oughred, devised the universal ring dial. The dial was so popular until the 1700s. But after the chronometer was invented in the early 1800s, it became obsolete.

Octant by Benjamin MartinNational Maritime Museum of Korea

Octant
Benjamin Martin | UK, Mid-18th century

The octant which has the producer’s signature, Benjamin Martin, was made in the middle of the 18th century. An octant is one of the tools used for astronomical observations and its arc spans 45 degrees.

Sextant Sextant by A. Berthélemy, Lorieux, P. PonthusNational Maritime Museum of Korea

Sextant
A. Berthélemy, Lorieux, P. Ponthus | Modern

A sextant is a navigational instrument to measure the altitude of the celestial sphere over the horizon in order to determine local longitude and latitude. Holding the sextant with its attached telescope, you take a sight of the horizon and a celestial object (either the sun or a star), and measure the angle between them.

Sextant Sextant by A. Berthélemy, Lorieux, P. PonthusNational Maritime Museum of Korea

Sextant Sextant, A. Berthélemy, Lorieux, P. Ponthus, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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TelescopeNational Maritime Museum of Korea

Telescope
UK, 18th Century

A telescope made in 18th century England. Richly adorned with red velvet over the octagonal body.

Telescope Telescope (1750) by Leonardo SemitecoloNational Maritime Museum of Korea

Telescope
Leonardo Semitecolo | Italy, 1750

A navigational telescope made by Italian artisan Leonardo Semitecolo (years unknown).

Telescope Telescope, Leonardo Semitecolo, 1750, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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His signature is inscribed on the company’s distinctive perforated red paper decoration.

Chronometer Chronometer by WalthamNational Maritime Museum of Korea

Chronometer
Waltham | USA, 20th Century

This accurate timepiece, often called a chronometer, is used to determine the location of a ship (longitude) during navigation based on the time.

Chronometer Chronometer, Waltham, From the collection of: National Maritime Museum of Korea
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Clocks used in ships in the early days operated by “pendulums”, but because of temperature fluctuations and the ship’s movements, these were very inaccurate. In order to overcome these problems, a navigational clock chronometer was made in the 18th century. A chronometer is mounted on gimbal (a pivoted support system composed of two rings connected by a bearing) that maintains its horizontal position, resulting in almost no error.

Principle of Clock by Harrison Principle of Clock by Harrison (1767) by John HarrisonNational Maritime Museum of Korea