3d Animation crated for special exhibition on the Tongsinsa of Joseon Dynasty
<Journey and Meeting of the Diplomatic Mission>
experience
Year
2025
Client
Seoul Museum of History / KOFICE
Shown at
Special Exhibitions Hall
《Bonds of the Heart, Waves of Resonance》
2025 marks the 60th anniversary of Korea–Japan diplomatic normalization. In commemoration, the Seoul Museum of History held a special exhibition titled <Bonds of the Heart, Waves of Resonance>, reflecting on the history of Korea–Japan relations while envisioning their shared future. Centered on the Joseon Tongsinsa (diplomatic missions), the exhibition highlighted trust and cultural exchange beyond political diplomacy. In this project, TRIC designed an animation narrating the journey of the Joseon Tongsinsa and collaborated closely with an international creative team—co-directed by Jean-Julien Pous and Quentin Bian—to produce the highlight feature of the special exhibition. TRIC also oversaw the historical research, scenario development, and pre-animatics, ensuring both visual precision and storytelling depth. Rather than merely documenting historical events, the animation reinterprets the values of trust-based diplomacy through the lens of human connection—offering audiences an emotionally resonant experience and a chance to reflect on how the past can guide future relations.
Focus on historical accuracy
The animation vividly captures the emotional journey of Shin Yu-han (申維翰, 1681–1752), a court official and chronicler of the Joseon Tongsinsa, through a first-person perspective based on his travelogue Haeyurok. Focusing on the lead-up to his audience with the Kanpaku at Edo Castle, the narrative traces his inner thoughts as he travels across sea and land. Particular attention was paid to the historically accurate depiction of diplomatic regalia, the attire of both the Joseon envoys and Japanese escorts, as well as the formation and maritime procession of the envoy fleet crossing 1,300 kilometers by sea. These details enrich the reconstruction of a pivotal moment in Korea–Japan diplomatic history with emotional depth and cultural authenticity.
