From Donguibogam to Modern Bestsellers... Korea’s Literary Treasures on Display at the National Library of Korea
80th Anniversary Special Exhibition of the National Library of Korea
Over 200 National Treasures and Treasures on Display
Originals of "Donguibogam" and More Unveiled
The National Library of Korea has opened a special exhibition titled "My Dream, Our Records, Bookshelves of Koreans" on October 15, showcasing a large collection of National Treasures, Treasures, and first editions that the library has collected and preserved over the past 80 years. The exhibition features around 200 National Treasure and Treasure-level materials, organized into 23 bookshelf themes.
On the opening day, October 15, the originals of these rare materials are on display for visitors. Notably, the medical book "Donguibogam" (National Treasure and UNESCO Memory of the World), compiled by the Joseon Dynasty physician Heo Jun, who synthesized Chinese and Joseon medical texts, is being presented to the public for the first time in 16 years since 2009.
The original edition of "Seokbosangjeol" (Treasure), a Buddhist scripture containing the life and teachings of Buddha and the first Korean metal-type printed book in Hangul, is being unveiled for the first time. "Seokbosangjeol" is regarded as the highest-quality metal-type printed book, created at the order of King Sejong, who, grieving the death of Queen Soheon, instructed his son, Prince Suyang, to compile it to pray for her soul.
The original of "Sanggyeojeongbonjabidoryangchambeop" (Treasure), a Buddhist scripture about repenting for one’s sins, is also being revealed for the first time. Except for the opening day, facsimiles (photographic or other reproductions) will be displayed to ensure the safe preservation of the artifacts.
The exhibition provides a panoramic view of the evolution of Korean reading culture through the ages. It introduces the casting of metal type and the creation of Hunminjeongeum in the 15th century Joseon Dynasty, the era when late Joseon scholars pursued the ideals of Neo-Confucianism, and the literary works left by women of the inner quarters who interacted with the leading writers of their time.
In the "Bookshelf of Women of the Inner Quarters" from the late Joseon period, the exhibition features "Gyuhapchongseo," an encyclopedia for women written in Hangul by the female scholar Bingheogak Lee. The book contains information on making clothes, dyeing, and weaving, offering a glimpse into the domestic life and language of women at the time.
Visitors can also find "Mujeong" by Lee Gwangsu (1892-1950), considered the first modern full-length novel, the inaugural issues of the magazines "Sonyeon" and "Cheongchun," and the posthumous poetry collection "Sky, Wind, Stars, and Poetry" by Yun Dongju (1917-1945).
The exhibition also features "The Life and Death of a Young Worker: Jeon Taeil’s Biography," which records the short but intense life of young laborer Jeon Taeil (1948-1970), as well as "Beyond Death, Beyond the Darkness of the Age," which vividly documents the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement.
Bestsellers that were widely popular in each era are also on display. Notable 1990s books include "My Exploration of Cultural Heritage" by Professor Yu Hongjun, which sparked a nationwide cultural heritage exploration boom, and "Never Study English," which ignited the "amateur culture" trend.
In the "Bookshelf of T1" set up outside the exhibition hall, books personally selected by T1 esports team members-Lee Sanghyeok ("Faker"), Moon Hyeonjun ("Oner"), and Lee Minhyeong ("Gumayusi")-are on display.
Hot Picks Today
As Samsung Falters, Chinese DRAM Surges: CXMT Returns to Profit in Just One Year
- "Most Americans Didn't Want This"... Americans Lose 60 Trillion Won to Soaring Fuel Costs
- Man in His 30s Dies After Assaulting Father and Falling from Yongin Apartment
- Samsung Union Member Sparks Controversy With Telegram Post: "Let's Push KOSPI Down to 5,000"
- "Why Make Things Like This?" Foreign Media Highlights Bizarre Phenomenon Spreading in Korea
A National Library of Korea official stated, "This exhibition tells the story of how books, once the exclusive property of a privileged few, have evolved into a narrative of serving the people, sharing with the people, and citizens recording and expressing themselves, with these diverse bookshelves coming together to form the National Library of Korea." The official added, "We hope this exhibition will be an opportunity to reflect on the dreams and records of the nation." The exhibition runs until December 14.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
