Map of the Kingdom of Korea

original: "朝鮮國圖" (Chaoxian guo tu). This map serves as a visual guide to the geopolitical landscape of the early modern era, highlighting the proximity between the Ming/Qing empires and their tributary state, Joseon.

Liaodong The region in Northeast China bordering the Korean peninsula.
Liaoyang A major administrative and military hub in Liaodong.
Liao River
Guangning
Ningyuan
Gukgu literally "Valley Entrance," likely a strategic pass.
Yan
Youlie River
Hui Likely referring to Hyesan.
Yi Likely referring to Iksan.
Korea (Joseon)
Mount Xiaojian
Dashan River
Yalu River The historical and modern border river between China and Korea.
Yun
Kaesong The former capital of the Goryeo Dynasty and a major commercial center.
Nanjing original: "南京". Literally "Southern Capital." In this historical context, it often refers to the status of Hanseong (modern Seoul) or a specific administrative designation within the kingdom.
Seogyeong original: "西京". The "Western Capital," referring to modern-day Pyongyang.
Baekje One of the ancient Three Kingdoms of Korea, located in the southwest.
Jeonju
Dangseong County
The Royal Capital original: "王京" (Wanggyeong). This refers to the seat of the Joseon King in Hanseong/Seoul.
Seoheung
Shu
Onyang County
Ra Likely a shorthand for Silla, the ancient kingdom in the southeast.
Jeolla Province
Yaocheng
Fushun
Qingyuan
Mount Balian
Fulang
Shenyun
Houguan
Shen River
The White Sea Likely referring to the West Sea (Yellow Sea) due to its silty appearance or historical naming conventions.

Vocabulary: Joseon (Korea), Liaodong, Yalu River, Royal Capital, Jeolla Province, Baekje, Liaoyang.

Map of the Kingdom of Korea

The map depicts the Joseon Kingdom's administrative divisions and its proximity to the Ming Dynasty's Liaodong frontier.

These locations represent the Ming Dynasty's defensive line in Northeast China, bordering the Korean peninsula.
Guangning, Shenyang, and Tieling
The Mighty Pass of the Northeast
Weiyuan Pass, Liaodong
Yalu River The natural border between China and Korea.

Hamgyong Province The northeastern frontier province.
Gyeongseong, Dancheon County
The Dividing Ridge original: "分水嶺" (Fenshuiling). A major mountain ridge acting as a watershed.
Mount Geumgang Also known as Diamond Mountain, famous for its 12,000 scenic peaks and Buddhist temples., Mount Rucha likely referring to a mountain known for its monasteries.

Gangwon Province The mountainous eastern province.
Yangyang, Pyeonghae County
Gangneung, Ulsan, Gyeongju Gyeongju was the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom.

The Royal Capital: Hanyang Modern-day Seoul.

Pyongan Province The northwestern province through which diplomatic missions to China traveled.
Pyongyang, Uiju, Cheolsan, Seoncheon, Yongcheon, Gwaksan, Jeongju, Anju, Sukcheon

Hwanghae Province
Haeju

Chungcheong Province
Chungju

Gyeongsang Province The southeastern province, the primary region for trade and interaction with Japan.
Dongnae, Busan

Jeolla Province The southwestern breadbasket of the peninsula, shown here bordering the coastal regions.