Many uniquely traditional museums as well as some modern ones are situated in Seoul¡¯s Insa-dong, a district representing a part of Korean culture.

A place displaying antique weaponry opened recently. Laden with an atmosphere of antiquity, Insadong located in downtown Seoul, is a mecca for tourists seeking a taste of traditional Korea.

To the area that is home to hundreds of shops selling cultural artifacts as well as galleries and tearooms, another has been added.

"Insadong is fast becoming the home of many 'one-of-a-kind' museums and the latest addition is this facility, which has Korea's largest collection of antique weaponry."

The first of its kind in East Asia, this museum contains some 300 pieces of antique weaponry, developed and used during Korea's Chosun dynasty, which reigned from 1392 to 1910.

The display was made possible by one man's interest in collecting weapons.

"I appreciated the skills and workmanship of our ancestors and felt their strong desire to protect Korea. I thought we needed a place where people can come to understand history."

Production of weapons using gunpowder in Korea began in earnest in 1377 when Choi Mu-seon set up a military institute.

The 'Jochong,' is a musket with a long shooting range and a high rate of hitting targets and the name literally means a musket that can shoot a flying bird.

And this small cannon called 'Hongipo,' was produced in the 17th century after the introduction of Chinese technology and skills, but it is deemed more powerful than the cannons in China that predated it.

"I was really surprised as I didn't realize that our ancestors were advanced enough to make these kind of weapons."

Korea was invaded by many foreign powers throughout its history and weapons production was an essential part of its defense.

The curator of the museum says no matter what happened in the past he hopes that the day will come when weapons are no longer needed and will only be present in museums.


Arirang TV