Collection
Classics and metal types
Metal types are produced by pouring various molten metallic materials into molds for type printing. Type printing was first attempted during the Goryeo Dynasty by carving each letter in wood or metal, or by pouring molten metal into mold. Thereafter, the metal typography during the Joseon Dynasty independently achieved brilliant advancements to an unprecedented level in the world. Metal types are produced by pouring various molten metallic materials into molds for type printing. Type printing was first attempted during the Goryeo Dynasty by carving each letter in wood or metal, or by pouring molten metal into mold. Thereafter, the metal typography during the Joseon Dynasty independently achieved brilliant advancements to an unprecedented level in the world.
Although it is known that metal type printing was first introduced in Korea since the era of Goryeo Dynasty through the records found in various literatures written at the time, there are only very few actual copies of metal types of the Goryeo Dynasty such as [Nammyeongcheonhwasangsongjeungdoga] and [Sangjeongyemum], etc. still remaining intact until today. [Baek-unh-wa-sang-cho-rok-bul-jo-jik-ji-sim-che-yo-jeol], which is better known as Jikji, is the oldest copy of metal type still remaining and passed down in the world. Footsteps of metal type technology of the Goryeo Dynasty are examined through the reprint copies and photographic prints of the metal type printings held at the National Library of Korea.
Although it is known that metal type printing was first introduced in Korea since the era of Goryeo Dynasty through the records found in various literatures written at the time, there are only very few actual copies of metal types of the Goryeo Dynasty such as [Nammyeongcheonhwasangsongjeungdoga] and [Sangjeongyemum], etc. still remaining intact until today. [Baek-unh-wa-sang-cho-rok-bul-jo-jik-ji-sim-che-yo-jeol], which is better known as Jikji, is the oldest copy of metal type still remaining and passed down in the world. Footsteps of metal type technology of the Goryeo Dynasty are examined through the reprint copies and photographic prints of the metal type printings held at the National Library of Korea. Lectures on ancient literatures
The lectures cover the significance of the phrase, ‘Korea, the country that invented metal types’, and Jikji, a Memory of the World, from the perspective of cultural history of mankind.