The Korea Times close
National
  • Politics
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Multicultural Community
  • Defense
  • Environment & Animals
  • Law & Crime
  • Society
  • Health & Science
Business
  • Tech
  • Bio
  • Companies
Finance
  • Companies
  • Economy
  • Markets
Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Thoughts of the Times
  • Cartoon
  • Today in History
  • Blogs
  • Tribune Service
  • Blondie & Garfield
  • Letter to President
  • Letter to the Editor
Lifestyle
  • Travel & Food
  • Trends
  • People & Events
  • Books
  • Around Town
  • Fortune Telling
Entertainment
& Arts
  • K-pop
  • Films
  • Shows & Dramas
  • Music
  • Theater & Others
Sports
World
  • SCMP
  • Asia
Video
  • Culture
  • People
  • News
Photos
  • Photo News
  • Darkroom
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • Site Map
  • E-paper
  • Subscribe
  • Register
  • LogIn
search close
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • Site Map
  • E-paper
  • Subscribe
  • Register
  • LogIn
search close
Lifestyle
  • Travel & Food
  • Trends
  • People & Events
  • Books
  • Around Town
  • Fortune Telling
Wed, May 18, 2022 | 06:41
Books
Early Joseon-era Buddhist scripture in Hangeul unveiled among Lee Kun-hee's donations
Posted : 2021-10-01 20:16
Updated : 2021-10-01 20:20
Print Preview
Font Size Up
Font Size Down
Pages of the 15th century manuscript 'Seokbosangjeol' volumes 20 and 21 / Courtesy of NMK
Pages of the 15th century manuscript "Seokbosangjeol" volumes 20 and 21 / Courtesy of NMK

By Park Han-sol

Marking Hangeul Day on Oct. 9, the National Museum of Korea (NMK) unveiled Thursday the original manuscript of the first Buddhist scripture printed in the Korean alphabet, Hangeul ― which belongs to the massive treasure trove of art donated by late Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee.

Known as "Seokbosangjeol," the document was published in 1447 late in the 1418-50 reign of King Sejong of Joseon, just one year after the release of "Hunminjeongeum Haeryebon," an iconic handbook of the Korean writing system.

The Buddhist teachings were translated into Korean under guidance of Prince Suyang, who later became King Sejo (r. 1455-68), to commemorate his mother, Queen Soheon. A total of 24 volumes are believed to have been published, but only a few survive to this day. The two unveiled copies are volumes 20 and 21, printed with the first movable Hangeul metal type blocks.

Unlike other Buddhist scriptures translated later, whose main texts remain in Chinese characters with smaller Hangeul characters added, "Seokbosangjeol" is notable for its large Korean characters compared to its Chinese counterparts. The manuscript thus serves as an important artifact to understand the usage and orthography of Hangeul in the 15th century.

The document's existence has long been known only among experts, making the public unveiling at the NMK all the more meaningful.

Along with "Seokbosangjeol," some 150 metal movable type blocks of Chinese characters believed to have been created in 1434 are also on display.

The NMK was able to estimate the date of production of these items thanks to an archaeological excavation completed in June in central Seoul's Insa-dong. The discovery allowed the museum to compare the shapes and sizes of the blocks of two groups, determining similarities in their forms.

Pages of the 15th century manuscript 'Seokbosangjeol' volumes 20 and 21 / Courtesy of NMK
Movable metal type blocks presumed to have been made in 1434 / Courtesy of NMK
Emailhansolp@koreatimes.co.kr Article ListMore articles by this reporter
 
  • Competition heats up in urban air mobility market
  • As China says goodbye to 2023 Asian Cup, should Korea step in?
  • The Collective brings 'Bootycandy' to Korea
  • India's wheat export ban feared to raise prices of bread, instant noodles
  • Air Seoul to resume Incheon-Boracay flights next month
  • Gov't urged to increase support for creators when K-culture is hot
  • Ex-baseball coach accused of assault suspended for 100 games by KBO
  • Korean volunteer fighter in Ukraine doesn't regret his action despite facing imprisonment at home
  • 5 Woori Bank branches open exclusively for foreign customers every Sunday
  • South Korean, Chinese FMs agree to discuss humanitarian aid for NK
  • BTS wins three Billboard Music Awards, marking 6th year to win an award BTS wins three Billboard Music Awards, marking 6th year to win an award
  • Yeo Jin-goo offers glimpse of his role in new series 'Link: Eat, Love, Kill' Yeo Jin-goo offers glimpse of his role in new series 'Link: Eat, Love, Kill'
  • How did TikTok become main marketing tool for K-pop? How did TikTok become main marketing tool for K-pop?
  • 'Broker,' 'Decision to Leave' to kick off summer blockbuster season 'Broker,' 'Decision to Leave' to kick off summer blockbuster season
  • Antony Gormley, Chun Kyung-ja to be highlighted at this month's auction Antony Gormley, Chun Kyung-ja to be highlighted at this month's auction
DARKROOM
  • 2022 Pulitzer Prize: Bearing witness to history

    2022 Pulitzer Prize: Bearing witness to history

  • Worsening drought puts millions at risk

    Worsening drought puts millions at risk

  • Our children deserve the best

    Our children deserve the best

  • End of mask mandates

    End of mask mandates

  • Rio Carnival returns after two-year hiatus

    Rio Carnival returns after two-year hiatus

The Korea Times
CEO & Publisher : Oh Young-jin
Digital News Email : webmaster@koreatimes.co.kr
Tel : 02-724-2114
Online newspaper registration No : 서울,아52844
Date of registration : 2020.02.05
Masthead : The Korea Times
Copyright © koreatimes.co.kr. All rights reserved.
  • About Us
  • Introduction
  • History
  • Location
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us
  • Products & Service
  • Subscribe
  • E-paper
  • Mobile Service
  • RSS Service
  • Content Sales
  • Policy
  • Privacy Statement
  • Terms of Service
  • 고충처리인
  • Youth Protection Policy
  • Code of Ethics
  • Copyright Policy
  • Family Site
  • Hankook Ilbo
  • Dongwha Group