English: Daegunjubo is a silver seal measuring 7.9 cm in height and 12.7 cm in length with a turtle-shaped handle on its body. It is mentioned in 「Gojong sillok, Annals of King Gojong」, 「Seungjeongwon ilgi, Diaries of the Royal Secretariat」, 「Ilseongnok, Daily Records of the Royal Court and Important Officials」 as having been crafted by King Gojong in 1882 for diplomatic use.
Joseon had used a seal written Joseongukwangjiin (The Seal of the King of Joseon) from Ming and Qing Dynasties, which was replaced by the newly created Daegunjubo under the name of Daegunju (Emperor) of Daejoseonguk (Joseon Dynasty) from King Gojong’s orders. Experts explain that such transition represents King Gojong’s intention in line with the undergoing change at the time, including the signing of the Korea-United States Treaty of 1882, to move away from the diplomatic relationship centered on China and shift towards an independent sovereign state.
After detailed research, it has been identified that Daegunjubo was officially used until 1897 since its creation in 1882 and its actual use has been found in a document of 1883 appointing an ambassador in charge of treaty affairs with foreign countries. Based on the newly established system for official documents since the Gabo Reforms of 1894, the seal had also been used in appointment papers and act, royal order, and edict issued by the Daegunju (Emperor).