Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms), Volumes 1-2

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.306-3

Category

Books & Records

Era

조선시대 초기

Designated year

2018

Location

서대문구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 서대문구 연세로 50 (신촌동, 연세대학교) 연세대학교박물관

Coordinates

37.564800, 126.937300Museum-based location

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 of The Memorabilia, designated as National Treasure No. 306-3, was printed on woodblocks during the early Joseon period. Its contents are presented under the titles of Royal Calendar [a simplified chronology of Silla, Goguryeo, Baekje, Gaya, Unified Silla, Later Goguryeo, including Goryeo, and Later Baekje] and Records of Strange Events (historical and cultural facts from the Gojoseon to the Later Three Kingdoms periods). Although it lacks Parts 3 to 5, it is held to be as valuable as a printed copy with no missing pages as it was printed in the early Joseon period. Researchers consider it an important material because it helps them to interpret the somewhat illegible letter included in another copy published in 1512 (the 7th year of King Jungjong’s reign) and to identify cited literary works of which there are no extant copies.

Location