130 Years Ago, the 'Eonyang Satto' Really Did Good Politics...

Ulsan Museum, Special Exhibition "Eonyang Hyeongam Yun Byeonggwan's Maninsan" Opens from the 9th This Year

A type of appreciation plaque called 'Maninsan,' created by the townspeople to honor the virtuous governance of Yun Byeong-gwan, the governor of Eonyang.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] What was the ‘Ssattonim’ of Eonyang doing 130 years ago?

A special exhibition showcasing the life of Yun Byeong-gwan, who was appointed as the magistrate (local governor) of Eonyang in the late Joseon period in 1887, along with various aspects of that era, awaits visitors.

Ulsan Museum announced on the 8th that it will hold the year’s first special exhibition, "Maninsan of Eonyang Magistrate Yun Byeong-gwan," from the 9th until August 23.

This exhibition introduces the ‘Maninsan’ donated by Yun Byeong-gwan’s descendants in 2016, his life during his tenure as Eonyang magistrate, the social conditions of the Eonyang region at that time, and the benevolent governance of local magistrates.

Maninsan is one of the large parasols (ilsan) used by high-ranking magistrates to shield themselves from the sun when going out. Initially used as a ceremonial item, it evolved in the 19th century into a plaque of appreciation made by local residents who embroidered their names on it to honor the magistrate’s benevolent governance.

The Maninsan of Eonyang Magistrate Yun Byeong-gwan is estimated to have been made in July 1888. It bears an inscription expressing the wish that "the clear virtue and benevolent governance of Eonyang Magistrate Yun Byeong-gwan be remembered forever (通訓大夫行彦陽縣監尹候秉寬淸德善政永世不忘萬人傘)" along with the names and titles of 1,115 people who dedicated their respect.

Poseonjeojeokmun documenting the achievements of Yun Byeong-gwan, the governor of Unyang.

The exhibition is divided into three parts: the life of Yun Byeong-gwan, the social conditions of Eonyang when he was appointed magistrate, and the circumstances of the Maninsan donation and its preservation process.

The first part, titled "Late Joseon Military Officer Yun Byeong-gwan," presents his life before his appointment as Eonyang magistrate. Born in 1848 as the 31st-generation descendant of the Papyeong Yun clan’s Pandogong branch, he passed the military examination in March 1866 and advanced through various official positions with great success.

The second part, "Eonyang Magistrate Yun Byeong-gwan," introduces his benevolent governance and the social conditions of Eonyang during his tenure. The ‘Poseonjeojeokmun’ written during the creation of the Maninsan is also featured. His benevolence is evident in actions such as repairing schools, restoring fortress walls, and reducing taxes.

The third part tells the story of how the Maninsan was donated. Mr. Yun Jeong-yeol, who donated the Maninsan, lives in Seoul but, upon seeing the title of Eonyang magistrate, donated the family heirloom preserved by his clan to Ulsan Museum.

The Ulsan Museum stated, “Through this exhibition, we have had an opportunity to get closer to the traces, history, and figures of the Joseon era in our hometown,” and added, “We expect it to serve as a venue for verifying the history of the Ulsan region.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.