Jinju National Museum

“Since the disturbance many of my friends and relatives were either killed by the enemy’s sword or died of diseases… In times of peace, we, both young and old, often gathered together to enjoy ourselves, drinking and talking. Now, those days will never come again. How could such a thought not fill me with sorrow and lament?” 

November 15th,1593 excerpt from journal Swaemirok -

About 420 years ago, a diary was written by the head of the household in the Joseon dynasty of Korea.

During the Japanese Invasion of 1592, he experienced separation from his family and then was reunited with them.

His record of wandering for nine years and three months is passed down to us now under the title of Swaemirok.

The daily life of O hui-mun, who was unable to return to his home and reduced to a life of destitution due to the war, resembles our daily life, which is currently having a hard time due to COVID-19 pandemic.

In the face of the enemy’s sword that could strike him at any time,

Fighting starvation, cold, and disease,

The author O Hui-mun and his family struggled desperately to make it through each day.

We bring you to the record of a nobleman’s pitiful wandering during the Imjin War.