King Taejo's Appointment Edict Predating National Treasure by 18 Years: 1398 "Wangji" Unveiled for the First Time

National Library of Korea Showcases Selected Donated Ancient Books
Highlighting Historical Value Through Exhibition of Donated Rare Manuscripts

The royal decree (Wangji) issued by King Taejo Lee Seonggye of Joseon 628 years ago is being made public for the first time.

In 1398 (7th year of King Taejo's reign), King Taejo Lee Seonggye of Joseon appointed Lee Jidal (李之帶) as the Naval Commander of Gyeongsang Right Province (Sujun Cheomjeoljesa, Junior Third Rank) and issued a royal decree. National Library of Korea

On May 11, the National Library of Korea announced that it will hold the special exhibition "Great Heritage: Stories Woven Through Donations," where it will showcase a selection of representative rare books donated in 2025.

The highlight of this exhibition is the royal decree issued by King Taejo Lee Seonggye in 1398, appointing Lee Jidal (李之帶) as the Naval Commander of Gyeongsang Right Province (Sujun Cheomjeoljesa). A Wangji is a document containing the king’s direct will or order.

This document predates the "Lee Jidal Wangji," which is currently designated as a National Treasure, by 18 years. It is considered an important historical record for research on personnel administration and official posts in the early Joseon Dynasty. The document also confirms that Lee Jidal, the great-grandson of Goryeo scholar Lee Jehyeon, was entrusted with a significant national role. Its value is further highlighted by the fact that this previously unknown material is being made public for the first time through donation.

The exhibition not only focuses on the rare books themselves but also shines a light on the stories of those who donated them. It features the story of Ko Jeon-wan, who donated 100 maps at a 1:50,000 scale containing records of Japanese colonial exploitation, in line with the wishes of his father, who worked at the Gyeongseong Public Library during the Japanese occupation. The exhibition also shares the story of Yoon Ye-seul, who donated a rare copy of Gojinjinbo purchased by chance at a market street vendor, hoping to share it with more people.

At 2:00 p.m. on the same day, the National Library of Korea will also hold the "2026 Donor Nameplate Unveiling Ceremony" in the lobby of the Rare Books Room on the 5th floor of the main building. Nameplates engraved with the names of the 24 individuals and organizations that donated materials in 2025 will be permanently displayed to honor the significance of their contributions.

The exhibition will be held in the Rare Books Room on the 5th floor of the National Library of Korea's main building until March 21, 2027.

Hyewon Hyun, Director of the Rare Books Division at the National Library of Korea, stated, "It is a noble decision for an individual to donate materials collected and treasured over a lifetime to the nation without compensation. These donated rare books are not merely old publications, but great legacies that fill gaps in our history and will be passed on to future generations."

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