Busan Beomeosa Temple's 'Samguk Yusa Volumes 4-5' Designated as National Treasure

"Considering the Anthropological and Cultural Historical Significance, It Is Appropriate to Widely Promote and Preserve Its Value"

Samguk Yusa Volumes 4-5 (三國遺事 卷四∼五)

The 'Samguk Yusa Volumes 4-5 (三國遺事 卷四∼五)' located at Beomeosa Temple in Busan has been elevated to the status of a National Treasure.

On the 27th, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced that this cultural asset, previously Treasure No. 419-3, has been designated as National Treasure No. 306-4. An official explained, "Unlike the other National Treasure editions of the same print, such as 'Samguk Yusa Volumes 3-5 (No. 306, privately owned)' and 'Samguk Yusa Volumes 1-5 (No. 306-2, owned by Seoul National University),' this is not a complete volume, but it is the earliest printed material since its first carving in 1394. It holds very high bibliographic significance."

This book is the only source that can supplement the missing chapters 28 to 30 from the previously designated editions. The official added, "Errors and corrections from the 1512 edition during King Jungjong's 7th year can be confirmed," and emphasized, "It holds great historical and academic importance as a reference for collation of known Samguk Yusa editions and restoration of the original woodblocks."

'Samguk Yusa' is a book regarded as a foundation for the study of ancient Korean history alongside the 'Samguk Sagi.' It was compiled by the monk Il-yeon in the 7th year of King Chungnyeol of Goryeo (1281). It collects legends related to the history and culture from Gojoseon to the Three Kingdoms period. The earliest extant edition was carved around 1394 during the early Joseon Dynasty.

'Samguk Yusa Volumes 4-5' is said to have been donated to Beomeosa Temple in 1907 by Oh Seong-wol (1865?1943), the first head monk of Beomeosa. In terms of calligraphy, format, and line spacing, it closely resembles the 1512 edition, making it bibliographically significant. The text includes the Dangun myth and fourteen hyangga (향가, native Korean poems written in hyangchal, a Silla phonetic transcription system). An official stated, "It is a collection of materials that can restore the lifestyle of the ancient Korean people across various fields such as religion, history, literature, language, folklore, and thought," and added, "Considering its significance to humanity and cultural history, it is appropriate to widely promote its value and ensure its preservation and management."

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