A Study of the 1930s Tourist Guidebook Gyeongseong Jeongseo

Gyeongseong Jeongseo (京城情緖), published in 1936 by the Gyeongseong Tourism Association, was a travel guidebook primarily targeting Japanese tourists. Designed to promote Gyeongseong as a central urban and cultural destination of Joseon, the guidebook consists of 48 pages, many of which feature photographs and descriptions of gisaeng. The guide presents gisaeng as symbols of “Joseon’s sentiment,” emphasizing their role in conveying the traditions and sensibilities of the region. The text provides detailed explanations of gisaeng’s attire, performances, and historical background, underscoring both the similarities to the Japanese geigi system and the distinctiveness of Joseon’s own traditions. Rather than depicting gisaeng merely as entertainers, the guidebook frames them as cultural mediators representing Joseon’s artistry and heritage. Unlike other guidebooks of the time that focused on sightseeing spots and historical sites, Gyeongseong Jeongseo emphasizes emotional and experiential elements such as food, entertainment, and gisaeng culture, aiming to shape Gyeongseong as a place to be felt rather than simply viewed. This study analyzes the structure and content of Gyeongseong Jeongseo to understand how travel guidebooks of the 1930s were conceived and how gisaeng were represented within tourism discourse. In doing so, it highlights the significance of this guidebook not merely as a promotional tool, but as a cultural artifact that reveals contemporary perspectives on tradition, identity, and visual representation.