Original draft of Korea's founding charter restored

A 10-page draft of Korea's founding charter was restored to its original form following eight months of conservation work. Courtesy of National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage

A rare manuscript offering a window into the Korea envisioned by the Provisional Government after liberation from the Japanese colonial rule of 1910-45 was restored to its original form.

The Conservation Science Center at the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage announced Tuesday that it had completed preservation work on the draft of Korea’s founding charter.

Handwritten by politician Jo So-ang (1887-1958), the document outlines a vision for the independence movement and future nation-building, based on his philosophy of the Three Principles of Equality. The theory calls for an ideal society rooted in equality among individuals, ethnic groups and countries, with political, economic and educational parity as its core pillars.

Adopted in 1941 by the Provisional Government, the manuscript would later serve as the philosophical cornerstone of Korea’s first Constitution in 1948.

Korea's founding charter manuscript before, left, and after the conservation treatment / Courtesy of National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage

The 10-page draft bears Jo’s own handwritten text in ink, along with visible corrections — a testament to its historical value.

But time had taken its toll. Over the decades, deep crease marks formed along the center where the pages had been folded. The edges were torn and frayed, and some sections had been temporarily mended with cellophane tape, leaving behind stains and discoloration.

In response, the conservation center began its restoration work in December last year.

Using organic solvents, conservators removed the tape and adhesive residue. They adjusted the paper’s acidity to support long-term preservation and reinforced fragile sections with paper of similar texture, naturally dyed using a solution made from boiled alder tree fruit. Also, a custom archival box was made to protect the document from further damage.

The restored relic will be on public view from Aug. 12 to Oct. 12 at the upcoming exhibition “The Radiant Heritage of Independence” at Dondeok Hall in Deoksu Palace, central Seoul.

Marking the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, the exhibit will showcase more than 110 artifacts, including the “Taegeukgi of Jingwan Temple in Seoul” — a Korean flag made by painting over a Japanese flag with black ink. Believed to have been used during or after the March 1 Independence Movement in 1919, it became a state-designated Treasure in 2021.

Also on display will be historical documents related to Seo Yeong-hae (1902-?), the first Korean ambassador to France under the Provisional Government, which were named National Registered Cultural Heritage earlier this year.