Oldest Korean manuscript of Bible found

The Institute of Korean Christianity History (KICH) reveals a manuscript of the Bible, believed to be the oldest copy translated by Korean, on June 16, 2016. / Courtesy of the Institute of Korean Christianity History.

By Kim Da-hee

A manuscript of the Bible, believed to be the oldest copy translated by Korean, has been discovered, the Institute of Korean Christianity History (KICH) said Thursday. It is believed to have been written between June and September 1885.

Park Yong-kyo, chief of the KICH, said the manuscript was found at Rutgers University in New Jersey and was believed to be handwritten by Seo Gwang-beom, a representative of the Gaehwapa, a group of people who pursued national civilization in the late Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

It has been said that Scottish missionary the Rev. John Ross translated the Bible into Korean for the first time in 1882 and that Lee Su-jung was the first Korean to translate it ― with his version of the Gospels of Mark ― in February 1885. But Lee’s original document has not been passed down to his descendants.

“It is presumed that the newly discovered manuscript was written in September 1885 when Seo stayed in the U.S.,” Park said. “Compared with Lee’s version, Seo’s version seems to have more Buddhist influence.”

According to Park, the translated manuscript of John 3:16 was sent to the university after William Elliot Griffis, who published several Korea-related books, including “A Modern Pioneer in Korea” and “Korean Fairy Tales,” preserved it.

“The manuscript is important evidence to understand the relation between the Gaehwapa and Christianity,” Park said. “Until now, it had been widely accepted that the group had a positive view of Christianity because it believed the religion helps enlightenment in Korea. However, the document shows Seo turned to Christianity.”

Seo sought asylum in the U.S in 1885 after the Gapsin revolt, in which he played an important role in the bid to topple the old-fashioned ruling system, failed in 1884. He settled in the U.S. with the help of the first missionary in Korea, Horace G. Underwood.