This great work of Korean history centered around the rise, progress and fall of the three ancient Korean kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla was published by Kim Bu-sik in 1145 (the 23rd year of the reign of King Injong of the Goryeo Dynasty). At the command of King Injong, Kim Bu-sik and eleven other persons undertook the production of this seminal work. By the early 12th century, when this book was published, about 200 years had passed since the foundation of Goryeo, and its aristocratic culture had attained the acme of prosperity, while the dynasty itself had been stabilized by a mix of Confucianism and Buddhism. As a result, a compilation of Korea’s preceding history was required in order to verify its own history. After defeating the Khitan tribes, the government acquired even greater faith in itself, and a stronger national consciousness emerged to counter the threat posed by the Yeojin (a Chinese tribe). However, as there were serious complications and antagonism between the nobility, this work was intended to inform future generations of the criticism of social reality and provide historical lessons by emphasizing the split and political complications and turmoil as the causes of the dynasty’s fall. This book was printed at the end of 13th century and is the oldest extant version of Samguk sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms). It measures 19.5 cm by 25 cm, and is in poor condition. The most intact versions known to date are this book and that of the Oksanseowon Confucian Academy. This version served as the standard for the correction of erroneous words and missing characters in the King Jungjong version. The original version is missing certain parts that are now irrecoverable due to serious effacement and contains numerous defects including wrong words, missing characters, etc., but it nevertheless remains the most perfect copy currently in anyone’s possession. The book, along with the Samguk yusa written by Buddhist Monk Iryeon, has been evaluated as a work of the greatest historical value for research and studies on ancient Korean history, and more particularly the Unified Silla Period.