Samguk yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms), which was compiled by the monk Ilyeon in 1281 (the 7th year of the reign of King Chungryeol of Goryeo), is regarded as a repository of invaluable research materials on the ancient history of Korea, particularly as it includes tales about the history and culture of the country from the ancient kingdom of Gojoseon to the Three Kingdoms Period. This copy (one volume composed of Parts 4 and 5), designated as National Treasure No. 306-4, is kept at Beomeosa Temple in Busan in the form of one volume without Parts 1 to 3. Another two woodblock-printed versions of The Memorabilia have been found in addition to this one, and they have been designated as National Treasure Nos. 306 and 306-3. Although this edition is not a complete set, researchers regard it as a highly valuable bibliography(record) given that it was the first printed copy of the Samgukyusa to have been engraved on wood in 1394.
This copy is considered important from both the historical and academic perspectives as it is an essential material for the restoration of the original woodblock-printed copy of the Samgukyusa, given that it is the only source with which Chapters 28, 29, 30, which are missing from the other copies, can be supplemented, along with the missing letters and typos in the copy published in 1512 (the 7th year of King Jungjong’s reign).
In addition, the copy at Beomeosa Temple appears to be closely related to the one published in 1512 in terms of its font, size, and spacing between the lines, which suggests that its importance for bibliographical research was recognized even during the Joseon Period. Furthermore, as it contains information on how to read the Chinese characters used in the text in Hangeul (Korean alphabet), it is a useful material for scholars of Korea’s ancient language.