The Elephant in the Annals: A Remarkable Tale from the Joseon Dynasty
The Elephant in the Annals: A Remarkable Tale from the Joseon Dynasty When one thinks of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897), images of Confucian scholars, wooden palaces, and royal ceremonies come to mind. But among the volumes of The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty —a UNESCO World Heritage record spanning over 500 years—lies a most unexpected entry: the story of an elephant. Not only was the elephant recorded in precise bureaucratic language, but it also sparked debates, accidents, and logistical headaches across the royal court. This article explores the fascinating journey of the first elephant in Korea, as documented by the meticulous royal scribes of the Joseon court. A Gift Unlike Any Other 1411: A Gift Unlike Any Other “The King of Japan sent an elephant—an animal unseen in our country. It was ordered to be kept and raised by the Office of Royal Stables (Saboksi), consuming 4 to 5 do of beans each day.” — Annals of King Taejong , 11th Year (1411), February 22 In 1411, K...
