Korea in 1895: How UW-Milwaukee’s AGSL protects the historic treasures of Kim Jeong-ho and George C. Foulk

EXPLORING KOREA: Stories from Milwaukee to the DMZ and across a divided Peninsula. This special series explores historical sites and cultural traditions from across the Korean Peninsula, building a bridge back to the search for identity in Milwaukee. From the occupation of Korea at the end of World War II, to Korean War veterans in Milwaukee, veterans from Milwaukee who served in later years at the DMZ, adopted South Korean children who grew up in Milwaukee, different waves of the South Korean diaspora who moved to Milwaukee to raise their families, and even a defector from North Korea, their stories share generations of Korean and American experiences. https://mkeind.com/koreanstories

The American Geographical Society Library (AGSL) at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is home to an invaluable historical artifact: the Daedong Yeojido, or the “Territorial Map of the Great East,” created in 1861 by the renowned Korean geographer Kim Jeong-ho.

Alongside a remarkable collection of photographs and documents from George C. Foulk, the map offers a rare glimpse into Korea’s rich cultural and cartographic history.

Kim Jeong-ho’s Daedong Yeojido is a monumental work, both in its physical dimensions and its historical significance. Measuring nearly 13 feet wide and 20 feet in length when fully displayed, the map consists of 22 sheets designed to be folded accordion-style for ease of use.

“Koreans consider this map a national treasure, which is why we make it accessible to any Korean Americans or Korean nationals who want to see it. We will always take it out for them,” said Marcy Bidney, Associate Director for Distinctive Collections and Curator of the American Geographical Society Library (AGSL). “It’s very rewarding to watch them view the map, because they understand its history and value. They’re so enamored by it and so excited to see it.”​​

The map’s scale, approximately 1:162,000, and its intricate woodblock print method highlight Kim’s extraordinary skill and dedication. The map also includes two inset depictions of Seoul and Pyongyang, along with various texts and diagrams, showcasing the advanced geographical knowledge of the time.

“In order to produce the map, a woodblock had to be carved for every section. So the amount of work, time, and energy that went into creating it makes it really special. Otherwise, It could have been drastically smaller, just one block of wood with the whole of Korea on that one block of wood,” said Bidney. “The labor-intensive process of making a map this big was very rare for its time. The details are also why it is a significant piece of cartographic history.”

The production of such a cartographic milestone required substantial resources. Kim’s map necessitated 120 woodblocks, each measuring about 12 by 16 inches. The considerable investment in carving, storing, labor, and tools indicates a high demand and steady market for the map, possibly commissioned by royalty for specific purposes.

As a cartographer and printer, Kim produced a complete atlas of Korea in 1834. After a 27-year absence from the historical record, he reemerged in 1861 with the Daedong Yeojido, a significant revision of his earlier work.

It is believed that Kim traversed the length and breadth of Korea multiple times to gather data for this map. His meticulous work improved measurement techniques, refined coastlines, revised place names, added or deleted cultural features, and included military sites.

The map also features topographic symbols, with thin black lines indicating gentler mountains and thicker lines representing higher elevations. For distance, a black tick marks every 10-li, approximately 24.4 miles, and denotes road distances – which enhanced the map’s practical utility.

The map is written with Chinese characters and not Hangul, despite Korea having its own writing system since the 15th century. Known as Hanja, Chinese characters were associated with scholarship, administration, and the classical literary tradition. Hangul’s use gradually expanded over time, but it did not fully replace Hanja until the 20th century.

The map’s rarity is further underscored by being one of only a few large-scale maps of Korea from that period. AGSL’s copy is also the only known version that includes color.

The AGSL’s copy of the Daedong Yeojido was once owned by George C. Foulk, a U.S. Naval attaché to Korea from 1884 to 1887. An adventurous and dedicated diplomat, Foulk had a profound impact on U.S.-Korean relations during his tenure.

His collection of maps and photographs, acquired by the AGSL in 1895, offers the Milwaukee public invaluable insights into Korean culture and geography of the late 19th century.

Foulk’s journey to Korea began in 1883 when he accompanied a Korean delegation to the United States as the only U.S. government official qualified to serve as an interpreter. Although not fluent in Korean initially, he communicated in Japanese and quickly learned Korean.

Upon his arrival in Korea, Foulk embarked on a 900-mile journey through the country by sedan chair, meticulously documenting his travels in a detailed journal and capturing numerous photographs.

His time in Korea was marked by significant events, including an unsuccessful coup d’état in December 1884. Despite the tumultuous political climate, Foulk’s friendship with King Sunjong, later Emperor of Korea from 1907 to 1910, granted him unique access to photograph Korean life and interact with the royal family.

Foulk’s dedication to documenting Korea is evident in his extensive collection of photographs, which include scenes of daily life and important cultural landmarks.

The 43 photographs taken by George C. Foulk between 1884 and 1885, now housed at the AGSL, provide an intimate look at Korean society during that era. The images include portraits of Korean officials, such as the governor of Chula province, as well as scenes like archery drills at Puk-Han Mountain Fortress, and kisaeng women performing traditional drum dances.

One particularly striking photograph shows a group of Korean and American diplomats, including Prince Min Yong Ik, minister plenipotentiary. The image, along with Foulk’s detailed notes identifying each individual, highlighted the diplomatic exchanges between Korea and the United States during the late 19th century.

Another notable photograph featured King Kojong of Korea on his throne at the age of 30. King Kojong, the 26th king of the Choson Dynasty, was crowned in 1864 and declared himself emperor in 1897. He was forced to abdicate by the Japanese in 1907 and died in 1919. Foulk’s close relationship with the king provided him with unique opportunities to record the intimate portraits.

AGSL has meticulously preserved the Daedong Yeojido and other artifacts from the Foulk collection since acquiring them in 1895. The map and photographs have been carefully maintained, ensuring that the public can appreciate and study the important cultural treasures.

The American Geographical Society (AGS) was founded in 1851 to research, discover, chart, and understand unknown regions of the Earth. The current library was created in 1978, when two collections were moved from New York City to their new home in Milwaukee. AGS still exists as an organization, but the library is wholly owned and operated by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

“We have some of the maps that Charles Lindbergh used when he was plotting the course for his solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean, from St. Louis to Paris. Those get viewing requests fairly often,” added Bidney. “Then we have maps drawn by Captain Cook from his first expedition to explore Australia. Researchers often want to see those a lot also.”

In November 2009, the AGSL hosted a symposium featuring Korean scholars who discussed the significance of the Daedong Yeojido. The event renewed attention of the map’s enduring value as a historical and cartographic masterpiece. The symposium also provided a platform for scholars to share insights and explore the map’s contributions to the understanding of Korea’s geographical and cultural heritage.

The collection of artifacts, all stored in Milwaukee, continues to be studied and offers a bridge to the past for contemporary audiences to appreciate the depth and richness of Korea’s historical landscape. The AGSL’s dedication to maintaining and showcasing the treasures ensures that the legacy of Kim Jeong-ho and George C. Foulk will endure for generations to come.