Eobo (御寶), the seals of the Joseon kings, along with other royal artifacts including eojin (御眞) and eochaek (御冊), represented the dynasty and its authority.These seals were also called by alternative names such as oksae (玉璽), guksae (國璽), and bo’in (寶印). There were two types of eobo seals—those officially used for administrative purposes and those personally presented to royal family members during various state rites such as the crown prince investiture ceremonies and the rites for the bestowal of posthumous titles.

The latter type, those eobo seals which were personally presented, were sculpted with respectful titles bestowed upon important royal family members including the king, queen, crown prince and princess.Respectful titles such as chekbongho (冊封號), shiho (諡號), jonho (尊號) and myoho (廟號), were bestowed upon them when they were installed in positions of authority or when their deeds were reappraised during their lives or posthumously.These personal royal seals were enshrined in the Royal Ancestral Temple following the death of their owners, providing continued protection for the nation and royalty.

The royal seals of the Joseon Dynasty are also most handsome works of craft, as they were made with premium quality jade or gold and decorated with beautiful dragon or turtle shaped holders.A variety of accessory items were also created for the purpose of protecting the seals, such as different types of container boxes—botong (寶筒), borok (寶盝), hogab (護匣) and others, wrapping materials, strap ties, keys and locks.The royal seals and their accessories exemplify the essence of the Joseon Dynasty royal craft arts.