603 Volumes of Old Books from the Andong Kim Clan Association Donated to the National Library of Korea

National Library of Korea Establishes "Andong Kim Clan Collection"
Collection Opens to the Public from December 15

The National Library of Korea announced on December 3, 2025, that it has received a donation of 603 volumes of ancient documents from the Andong Kim Clan Association and will establish the "Andong Kim Clan Collection."

Name Change Register. Provided by the National Library of Korea

The "Andong Kim Clan Collection" includes a wide range of rare ancient documents related to the Andong Kim clan, such as various types of "Andong Kim Clan Genealogies" and the collected works of ancestors, including "The Collected Works of Master Uam." Among these, "Yesterday's Gangjinjeop" is a book that compiles poems written in 1770 by King Yeongjo, as well as poems in response by Crown Prince Jeongjo and several officials of the time. This makes it a valuable resource for exploring the literary world of the king and his officials.

Additionally, the "Name Change Register" is a rare historical document issued in 1631 by the Office of Royal Decrees, which oversaw royal orders. It certifies that Kim Gye (金繼) changed his name to Kim Gye (金系) because he shared the same name as the traitor Gwon Gye (權繼). This document demonstrates that, during the Joseon Dynasty, royal permission was required to change one’s name.

Yesterday's Gangjinjeop. Provided by the National Library of Korea

Since 2021, the Andong Kim Clan Association has been collecting ancient documents owned by clan members by providing guidance through the clan newsletter. By 2024, they had collected over 600 volumes from 18 members. In January 2025, these were donated to the National Library of Korea, leading to the establishment of the "Andong Kim Clan Collection."

Hyun Hyewon, Head of the Ancient Documents Division at the National Library of Korea, stated, "The Andong Kim Clan Collection is significant as the first donated collection organized by a single surname group. We hope that, following the example of the Andong Kim clan, many other clans will also voluntarily donate their materials."

Kim Taeyoung, Secretary-General of the Andong Kim Clan Association, said, "We take great pride in realizing the public value of preserving and sharing our documentary cultural heritage, and we will continue to collect and donate clan materials in the future."

The materials from the "Andong Kim Clan Collection" will be available for viewing starting December 15, 2025, in the Ancient Documents Room on the 5th floor of the main building of the National Library of Korea.

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