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The Journal of Hendrick Hamel (1668)

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  • #Korea
  • #Dutch East India Company
  • #Shipwreck
  • Journal chronicles the shipwreck of the VOC-jaght Sperwer off Quelpaert island on August 16, 1653, with only 36 survivors out of 64.
  • Survivors encounter hostile locals initially but are eventually taken captive by Korean forces and treated as prisoners.
  • The crew learns they are on Quelpaert island (modern Cheju) and are guarded by soldiers under a local governor.
  • They meet Jan Janse Weltevree, a Dutchman stranded in Korea since 1626, who serves as an interpreter and informs them escape to Japan is impossible.
  • After months of imprisonment and harsh conditions, including failed escape attempts, they receive orders to be sent to the Korean mainland.
  • In June 1654, they travel overland under guard to Seoul, experiencing the death of one crew member en route.