[yemaek] by keydot
The Comic Concept
In the comic, a foreign worker notices a hole in the fortress wall and panics: “Hey, there’s a hole!” The Yemaek engineer smiles calmly and replies: “No problem.” He then unfolds a detailed blueprint. The foreign worker, astonished, exclaims: “What is this?!” — realizing that the design is as precise as modern AutoCAD.
The humor lies in the contrast: outsiders expect improvisation, but instead they encounter standardized scientific planning. The message is clear — Yemaek science was a standard, not an exception.
Hwaseong Fortress as a Textbook of Science
Hwaseong Fortress (built 1794–1796 under King Jeongjo) is often called a “textbook of science and engineering” because:
- Precision in materials: Every brick and stone was measured and aligned with exact dimensions.
- Innovative machines: Devices like the geojunggi (crane-like lifting machine) were used to move massive stones efficiently.
- Labor management: Workers were organized systematically, with records of schedules, wages, and tasks.
- Blueprints and manuals: Detailed construction drawings and documents (Hwaseong Seongyeok Uigwe) survive, showing scientific planning comparable to modern engineering standards.
Even today, scholars agree that Hwaseong Fortress represents a masterpiece of applied science, blending military defense, urban planning, and architectural aesthetics.
Message for Foreign Readers
The comic and the fortress together highlight a universal point:
- Yemaek science was not ad hoc or improvised — it was systematic, standardized, and innovative.
- Hwaseong Fortress demonstrates that centuries ago, engineers were already applying principles of geometry, mechanics, and project management.
- For modern readers, it’s a reminder that science and engineering are deeply rooted in cultural heritage.
References (APA Style)
-
- Ryu, S. (2009). Hwaseong Fortress and the science of Joseon architecture. Korean Architectural History Journal, 27(3), 101–128.
- National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage. (2015). Hwaseong Fortress: Engineering and cultural significance. Daejeon: NRICH Press.
- Seoul National University Museum. (2008). Exhibition catalog: Weapons of the Joseon Dynasty. Seoul: SNU Press.
- Needham, J. (1986). Science and Civilization in China: Volume 5, Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Part 7, Military Technology; The Gunpowder Epic. Cambridge University Press.