Gyeonggukdaejeon Gwon1∼2

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1521-2

Category

Books & Records

Era

1471년(성종2)

Designated year

2022

Location

종로구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 종로구

Coordinates

37.574773, 126.979614

This English description was machine-translated and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the original Korean text for details.

The Gyeongguktaejeon (Comprehensive Code of the Joseon Dynasty) represents the paramount written legal code establishing the fundamental governance framework of the Joseon state. Commissioned in 1455 (upon King Sejong's accession) to scholars including Choe Hang, Ro Sa-sin, and Seo Geo-jeong, the code underwent multiple revisions and supplements before the 'Eulsa Taejeon' (Fifty-third Year Code) was completed in 1485 (sixteenth year of King Seongjong). The Gyeongguktaejeon remained the foundational legal code of Joseon through the final dynasty period, applied without statutory revision. Consequently, it represents crucial material for Joseon early-period legal and institutional research, as well as important bibliography study material. The 1485 metal-type printing and early-type hybrid-character printing are recognized as exceptionally rare and significant. The Samsung Publishing Museum's copy represents the 'Sinmyo Taejeon' (New Year Code), predating the Eulsa Taejeon, comprising Volumes 1-2 covering the 'Officials' Law' and 'Household Law' sections printed using the Chogujapinza type, distributed in November 1470 and formally applied from January 1471 (second year of King Seongjong). Representing the oldest surviving Gyeongguktaejeon edition, despite minor damage, the absence of surviving copies of Volumes 1-2 makes it exceptionally rare and highly significant as historical material. Furthermore, it complements the previously-designated 'Gyeongguktaejeon Volume 3' of the identical Sinmyo Taejeon. The confirmation of another Sinmyo Taejeon variant provides groundbreaking research material for Joseon legal code history, promising extensive future scholarly application. Despite incompleteness, this Sinmyo Taejeon warrants treasure designation, preserving and managing its valuable contributions to Joseon legal and metal-type printing research.

Location