Memory of the World- Republic of Korea

Confucian Printing Woodblocks in Korea (2015)

This documentary heritage, collectively named the "Confucian Printing Woodblocks in Korea," comprises 64,226 hand-carved blocks used for printing 718 titles of words written during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). They have been entrusted by 305 family clans and Confucian academies.

Authenticity The Confucian Printing Woodblocks in Korea are all authentic original articles. They have been preserved by direct descendants of the authors for 60 to as long as 550 years, and hence constitute a documentary heritage whose provenance is clearly known. The existence of the Confucian Printing Woodblocks in Korea is mentioned in Korean texts that have already been inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, including The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty (Joseon wangjo sillok), Records of Daily Relfections(Ilseongnok) and Diaries of the Royal Secretariat(Seungjeongwon ilgi). Their existence is also mentioned in various bibliographies publised by the state, which means their authenticity is confirmed by official state records. Books from the Confucian Printing Woodblocks in Kroea were produced only after gathering opinion in the local community and gaining collective consensus, instances of which are rare in the history of the printing culture. For this reason, revisions were made many times during production of the woodblocks, removing the possibility of mistakes or false content. The inclusion of only refined content recognized through collective consensus has ensured authenticity of content. This production process is attested to by Ganyeoksi ilgi, a detailed record of printing woodblock production.

World Significance While there is no doubt that the Confucian Printing Woodblocks in Korea were made in order to print books, they functioned as more than a simple print medium. These woodblocks are considered symbols of the learning of the sages, and have been preserved and handed down by successive generations of scholars.