The Origin of the Movable Metal Typeㅣ Part1-Gutenberg: Inventor or Innovator?
Channel: Cultural Heritage in KOREA
Date: 2022-07-14

The Origin of the Movable Metal Type
Part1-Gutenberg: Inventor or Innovator?


Director: Nam Yun-seong

Production: MBC Chungbuk, Korea  
Production date: December 2003 

What is Jikji?

Jikji, the oldest existing book printed with metal printing types, was published in Cheongju city in 1377 which was 78 years earlier than German inventor Gutenberg’s printing. Jikji, a worldwide cultural heritage, is currently the France National Library’s collection.


JThe content of Jikji was first written by Goryeo Dynasty's renowned Buddhist's monk Baekunhwasang and his principles "Seokchak" and "Daljam" transcribed it into metal print in 1377. 'Jikji' is not available in the republic of Korea , but the National Library in France retains the 2nd volume of the original version.


**The value of Jikji**
Dating 78 years back from Gutenberg's '42-line bible', the western hemisphere's proud tradition, Jikji is the manifestation of the advanced printing technology and flourishing publishing culture in late Goryeo Dynasty.


**‘Jikji’,’UNESCO’s Memory of the World**
UNOSCO's a UN organization whose main objective is to contribute to peace and security in the world by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science, culture and communication.UNESCO instituted "Memory of the World Program" to protect and preserve "written legacies." In September 4, 2001, Jikji is listed on Memory of the World program.


#Jikji #the_oldest_metal_printed_book #Korean_heritage