The Uigwe of the Joseon Dynasty were detailed records that documented major state ceremonies almost as if they were photographs. For royal events such as weddings, funerals, sixtieth birthday banquets, or receptions for foreign envoys, the Joseon court always produced a booklet combining written accounts with illustrations. These records were called Uigwe.
The purpose of creating the Uigwe was to serve as a reference for future generations when conducting similar ceremonies. Thus, each volume included various official documents prepared for the event, organizational charts of duties, lists of responsible officials, the number of people mobilized, the materials and goods used, the expenses incurred, and a step-by-step written record of the entire process. Court painters from the Bureau of Painting (Dohwaseo) were assigned to illustrate the proceedings.
In simple terms, the role of the Uigwe was not unlike that of today’s event management companies: planning, documenting, and reporting on every detail. Similarly, the written records and illustrations served much the same function as modern videographers, photographers, and post-event reports or catalogues, ensuring that every aspect of the ceremony was preserved for posterity.