A special museum dedicated to Hendrick Hamel, a Dutchman who became the first Westerner to introduce Korea to the world and particularly to Europe, opened its doors in his homeland, the Netherlands, on June 4.

Hamel landed on the shores of Jeju Island in August 1653 during Joseon times, after being cast away during his voyage to Nagasaki, Japan. After being detained for as many as 13 years -- first on the island, then in the capital Hanyang, today's Seoul, and then in Ganjin-gun County, Jeollanam-do (South Jeolla Province) -- the Dutchman finally returned home via Japan in 1666.

In 1668, he released the famous "Journal of Hendrick Hamel," a detailed account of what he went through and his firsthand experiences during his stay in Korea. It was the first of its kind to reveal to a European audience what the nation of Joseon was like.




The Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed an agreement with the Hamel Foundation in 2009 to establish this museum in an effort to keep alive Hamel’s legacy. Under the agreement, the building where it is believed Hamel lived has been converted into a museum that looks like it came from the 17th century.

The museum has on display and sells replicas of an array of celadon items from Goryeo times (918-1392), as well as plates, teacups, necklaces and earrings. There are also handicrafts created by artists from Ganjin-gun County where Hamel was detained for seven years.



“The Museum will be utilized as a venue to allow locals to find out not only Hamel’s story, but also Korea’s arts and traditions,” said an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “This will help increase cultural exchanges between Korea and the Netherlands."

By Sohn JiAe
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
jiae5853@korea.kr