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South Korea Celebrates 'Korea Day' at Osaka Expo with Historic Diplomatic Ship Arrival

A replica of the Joseon Tongsinsa ship retraced its 261-year-old voyage to mark 60 years of Korea-Japan diplomatic ties and showcase Korean culture.

Japanese citizens participating in a ceremony to celebrate the arrival of a replica ship of the past Joseon Tongsinsa diplomatic mission from Korea pose for a photo with a banner welcoming the ship at the Port of Osaka in Japan on May 13, 2025. (Yonhap)
A replica ship of the Joseon Tongsinsa, a diplomatic delegation sent by the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) to Japan, docks at a port in Osaka, western Japan, on May 11, 2025, on its 13-day voyage from the southeastern port city of Busan, South Korea, as part of events to mark the 60th anniversary this year of diplomatic ties between the two neighboring countries, in this photo released by the National Research Institute of Maritime Heritage. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
A traditional Korean instrumental band performs during a ceremony at the Port of Osaka in Japan on May 13, 2025, to mark the entry of a replica ship of the past Joseon Tongsinsa diplomatic mission from Korea. (Yonhap)
In this file photo, people visit the 2025 World Exposition on April 13, 2025, which opened the same day on an artificial island in Osaka, western Japan. (Yonhap)

Overview

  • The Joseon Tongsinsa replica ship arrived at Osaka Port on May 11 after a 13-day journey from Busan, retracing a historic route last completed 261 years ago.
  • The ship's arrival ceremony on May 13 launched 'Korea Day' at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai World Expo, commemorating six decades of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations.
  • Cultural highlights included a reenacted Joseon Tongsinsa procession, a 'Korea Collection' showcase featuring K-pop, hanbok fashion, and beauty demonstrations, and an evening 'M Concert.'
  • The ship was reconstructed over four years using traditional methods and 900 pine trees, led by the National Research Institute of Maritime Heritage.
  • A Korea Tourism Festa, running through May 16, promotes travel to Korea with booths, food demos, K-pop performances, and esports activities, aiming to attract global visitors.