A Study on the Photographs of the Imperial Family of the Korean Empire Through Medals and Commemorative Medals

In this study, I used medals or commemorative medals appearing in imperial photos as historical material to determine when the photos were taken and subsequently used them as basic data for research on the Korean Empire. Since we can ascertain the photos era through the medals and commemorative medals appearing in them, we can examine the history of changes in clothing reflected in the photos. The photos had been printed and made into commemorative postcards or photo albums, and since the printing and awarding times did not match, careful examination was needed. Medals were reviewed, noting when each individual was awarded, and as such commemorative medals represented the most useful data in confirming the periods of the photos. Imperial Family members were awarded the Korean Empire’s the 1st order of Geumcheok Medal, 2nd order of Seoseong Medal, and 3rd order of Ewha Medal, while Imperial women were awarded the Seobong Medal, the women’s highest order. After ascending the throne, Emperor Sunjong received the Japanese Highest Necklace Medal, and the Japanese Daehunwi Medal of Chrysanthemum. Later, members of the Imperial Family were awarded Japanese medals such as the Chrysanthemum Medal or the Dongwha Medal. When a medal was awarded, a differentiated pension was paid according to the type of medal, so in addition to the honor, practical compensation was also made.