The Joseon Tongsinsa - Japan and Korea in the Edo Period Lee Jin-hee The Joseon Tongsinsa were diplomatic envoys sent from the Joseon Dynasty (Yi Dynasty Korea) to Japan during the Edo period. They were dispatched on celebratory occasions such as the change of shoguns, and contributed to cultural exchange between the two countries. In particular, they visited Japan 12 times between 1607 and 1811, and their journey was marked by grand hospitality from the daimyo lords.