Suwon Hwaseong Museum's Collection 'Gyeongguk Daejeon' Designated as Treasure

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] The "Gyeongguk Daejeon (經國大典)" held by the Suwon Hwaseong Museum has been designated as a national treasure.

The city of Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, announced on the 23rd that the Cultural Heritage Administration evaluated the "Gyeongguk Daejeon" held by the Suwon Hwaseong Museum as the "Eulsa Daejeon," printed with metal movable type during the 16th century (reigns of King Jungjong to King Myeongjong). It was highly valued for its rarity as no earlier printed copies than this have been confirmed so far.

The Gyeongguk Daejeon is the highest codified law that defined the Joseon governance system. It was completed in 1485 (the 16th year of King Seongjong) after several revisions and supplements, following King Sejo's ascension year (1455), when he ordered officials such as Noh Sa-shin, Choi Hang, and Seo Geo-jeong to compile a new legal code. Since it was completed in the Eulsa year (1485), it is also called the "Eulsa Daejeon (乙巳大典)."

The copy held by the Suwon Hwaseong Museum is a 16th-century metal movable type printed edition of the "Gyeongguk Daejeon," containing volumes 4 (Byeongjeon 兵典), 5 (Hyeongjeon 刑典), and 6 (Gongjeon 工典) across two books.

It is the only domestic copy corresponding to volumes 4 to 6 of the metal movable type printed "Gyeongguk Daejeon" (Eulsa Daejeon).

With the designation of the Gyeongguk Daejeon as a national treasure, the Suwon Hwaseong Museum now holds six national treasures (13 items).

A representative of the Suwon Hwaseong Museum said, "Since its opening, we have purchased artifacts every year and have come to hold many valuable relics," adding, "We will continue to secure artifacts with high cultural heritage value to enhance the status of Suwon as a historical and cultural city."

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