A rare woodblock print from the Joseon Dynasty dating back to the 17th century has been officially recognized as an early form of Korean manhwa and added to the national comics archive. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, along with the Korea Manhwa Contents Agency (KOMACON), recently acquired the historic piece titled "Uiyeoldo," marking a significant milestone in documenting Korea's comic art heritage.
The woodblock print, created during the Joseon Dynasty period (1392-1910), represents one of the earliest known examples of sequential visual storytelling in Korean history. This acquisition demonstrates the government's commitment to preserving and recognizing the historical roots of Korea's modern manhwa industry, which has gained international recognition in recent years.
"Uiyeoldo" showcases traditional Korean artistic techniques while incorporating narrative elements that would later evolve into contemporary manhwa formats. The piece provides valuable insights into how visual storytelling developed in Korea centuries before the modern comic book industry emerged globally.
KOMACON's decision to include this historic artifact in their official archive highlights the agency's efforts to establish a comprehensive collection that traces the evolution of Korean comics from their earliest origins to present day. This initiative aims to provide researchers, artists, and the public with access to materials that demonstrate the rich cultural heritage underlying Korea's contemporary manhwa success.
