Three Ancient Texts from Jongno Library Designated as Seoul City Cultural Assets

Published during the reign of King Jungjong of Joseon, collected at Gyeongseong Library
Private collection of Queen Sunjeonghyo, Empress Sunjeong's maternal family copy

'Nammyung Cheonhwasang Songjeungdo' held by Jongno Library

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The Joseon Dynasty ancient manuscript materials held by the Jongno Library under the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education have been designated as Seoul City Tangible Cultural Properties. This is the first time in 19 years that literature held by a public library has been designated as cultural heritage.

On the 11th, Jongno Library announced that 'Nammyeong Cheonhwasang Songsjeungdoga (南明泉和尙頌證道歌)', 'Sibu Doseong (十牛圖頌)', and 'Naong Hwasang Haengjang (懶翁和尙行狀)', all published during the reign of King Jungjong of Joseon, have been designated as Seoul City cultural properties.

All of these are volumes collected by Gyeongseong Library, the predecessor of Jongno Library, and are said to be copies from the maternal family of Empress Sunjeonghyo, the wife of Emperor Sunjong, the second emperor of the Korean Empire.

Nammyeong Cheonhwasang Songsjeungdoga is a book in which the Song Dynasty monk Nammyeong Hwasang Beopcheon Seonsa attached gathas (songs praising the virtues or teachings of Buddha) to each verse of the enlightenment poem by the Tang Dynasty eminent monk Hyeongak from China, expounding enlightenment.

Ten Ox-Herding Pictures Song

Sibu Doseong is a combined printed edition of the Ten Ox-Herding Pictures and Verses by the Song Dynasty monk Gwakam Hwasang and the Ten Wise Sayings by Cheongnyang Hwasang, and copies are extremely rare in Korea. The copy held by Jongno Library is the first edition published in 1509, with excellent calligraphy, woodblock carving techniques, and printing condition.

Naong Hwasang Haengjang is an important record for studying the life and thoughts of Naong Hwasang, a prominent monk of the Goryeo Dynasty. The copy held by Jongno Library was reprinted in 1534 based on a book published at the end of the Goryeo period. This copy is notable for its rarity, excellent printing condition, and the presence of publication dates, making it highly valuable for preservation.

To commemorate the cultural property designation, Jongno Library will hold a special exhibition of ancient manuscripts, a Korean traditional music performance featuring geomungo and haegeum ensemble, and special lectures until April 30. The lecture will be conducted by Professor Ok Youngjeong of the Academy of Korean Studies on the 25th, with the theme 'Woodblock Printing Culture of the Joseon Dynasty as Seen through the Cultural Properties of Jongno Library.'

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.