Spehti
Spehti ยท Four-wheeled Carriage โ Joseon Nobleman's Coach
The Spehti was a four-wheeled carriage used by the upper class and royalty during the late Joseon Dynasty and Korean Empire. Influenced by Western carriage designs, it became a prominent means of transportation for officials and diplomats. It combined decorative elegance with practical mobility and prestige.
Origin
Introduced in the late 19th century as Western technology spread into Korea, the Spehti was built locally based on imported designs from the West and Japan.
Features
- Four-wheel construction
- Body covered with cloth or leather
- Metal ornaments and wooden frame
- Drawn by two to four horses
Usage
Mainly used for royal, governmental, and diplomatic transportation, as well as formal processions.
Weakness
Highly dependent on road quality, expensive to maintain, and inaccessible to commoners.
