Sipchilsachan Gogeumtongyo Vol.17

Sipchilsachan Gogeumtongyo (the history of China) Volume 17 was printed using Gyemija, the first metal type produced under the Joseon Dynasty. Established in January 1392 (the fourth year of the reign of King Gongyang), Seojeokwon was a public organization set up for casting metal type and publishing books under the Goryeo Dynasty. With the foundation of a new nation, new officials including one official of the junior seventh rank, two officials of the junior eighth rank, two officials of the junior ninth rank, and two low-ranking provincial officials were assigned to Seojeokwon. In order to disseminate a new culture and institutions, the organization published and printed a variety of new books. According to an article written on February 13, 1403 (the third year of the reign of King Taejong) that appeared in The Annals of Taejong, “A new organization taking charge of casting types and printing was set up,” and the new metal type known as “Gyemija” produced by this organization was the first metal type developed under the Joseon Dynasty.