An Elementary Reader for Citizens

National Elementary Textbook, Korea's first modern textbook, was published by the Editorial Department of the Office of Education which is equivalent to the Ministry of Education today. A decree regarding founding schools and fostering talent was announced in February, 1895, the 32nd year of King Gojong’s reign, and the Editorial Department was launched to take charge of editing, translation, and authorizing textbooks in March of the same year. Contents of the textbooks included histories and customs of various nations as well as traditional Korean culture. Such contents aimed to introduce advanced civilization from abroad and to encourage enlightenment among Korean people for the need of independence. The publication of this book, however, was banned under the Japanese colonial rule in November 1910.