Maps are a method of making sense of the world. They also tell us quite a bit about the map-maker's philosophy and perspective on the world. Go to Koreana vol 16, no 3, Autumn 2002 at http://www.koreana.or.kr> Back Issues . There are ten maps included in the article ‘Ancient Maps reflect the currents of the Middle Ages'. The writer responded to these ancient Korean maps in this way: ‘ The ancient maps are not like antiques. Rather, they are like a time machine for travelling back to the past.'
Look at the images and write notes about what you are reminded of. What seems to be important to these map-makers from different times in Korean history? Use these prompts to discuss the information in groups:
I was surprised to find out that …
The most interesting thing was …
I'd like to know more about …
I wonder if …
I don't understand …
I was less interested in …
I didn't know that …
Someone who would be interested in this would be … because …
This reminded me of …
Some have described the map-maker's view of the world as their ‘cosmology'. What does this word mean? Look at http://en.wikipedia.org > Cosmology and discuss, in small groups, how the word cosmology might apply to map-making.
Do an Internet search for modern maps of Korea. Contrast these maps with the images in Koreana. What features of Korea are important to contemporary map-makers? Discuss or create a piece of reflective writing about the following: ‘Both ancient and modern maps provide insights into the map-maker's cosmology but the worlds they see are very different.'
What's important to you? What gives you support and guidance? What is at the core of your world and what do you need to get by? Construct a ‘map' of your world in collage or mind-map form. Use the tools and symbols used by map-makers. Your map could use literal references like roads, buildings, oceans, rivers or may use a metaphorical approach as shown in the ancient Korean maps.
Think about all the people who travelled in ships to explore new lands. They travelled without maps or with only scant knowledge of where they were going. What challenges were in store for these explorers?
Some Joseon scholars believed that the larger world contained countries like the Nation of the One-eyed People or the Nation of Three-bodied People. While these ideas seem strange, they are no stranger than the imaginative creations in the Star Wars series or Lord of the Rings . Let your imagination run with this. Create a scenario where you are embarking on a journey into new territory. Using the diary genre, include maps, illustrations and narrative to support your story. Remember that key elements of this type of storytelling include conflict, possible danger and an element of surprise. If you wish to use ancient Korea as a setting for your journey, there is an article titled ‘Modern-day Maritime Industry Rooted in Korea's Shipbuilding Traditions' with useful images in Koreana vol 19, no 3, Autumn 2005 (available at http://www.koreana.or.kr > Back Issues) .
