Meta Description: Jikji, the world’s oldest metal-printed book created in 1377 in Korea, predates Gutenberg’s printing press and is a UNESCO Memory of the World.
Introduction: Why Jikji Is a Global Treasure
When we think of printing history, Gutenberg’s 15th-century invention often comes to mind. Yet, decades before Gutenberg’s press, Korea had already produced the world’s first metal movable type printed book—the Jikji Simche Yojeol (직지심체요절), known simply as Jikji.
Printed in 1377 during the Goryeo Dynasty, Jikji not only predates Gutenberg by nearly 80 years but also stands as evidence of Korea’s remarkable technological innovation. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO Memory of the World for its historical and cultural significance.
What Is Jikji?
The full title of Jikji is “Baegun Hwasang Chorok Buljo Jikji Simche Yojeol” (백운화상초록불조직지심체요절), meaning “Anthology of Great Buddhist Priests’ Teachings on the Essentials of the Mind.”
Content: A Buddhist text compiled by the monk Baegun, summarizing Zen teachings.
Date: Printed in 1377, at Heungdeok Temple in Cheongju, Korea.
Material: Produced using metal movable type, the earliest known surviving example in the world.
Jikji vs. Gutenberg: A Timeline
Year Event Region
1377 Jikji printed with metal movable type Korea (Goryeo Dynasty)
1450s Gutenberg invents the printing press Europe (Germany)
1985 UNESCO designates Jikji as Memory of the World Global
This timeline shows that Korea pioneered movable metal type printing long before Europe.
Why Jikji Is So Important
1. Historical Significance
Proves that movable metal type technology originated in Korea, not Europe.
Represents advanced cultural and technological development in the Goryeo Dynasty.
2. UNESCO Recognition
In 2001, Jikji was inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
UNESCO also established the Jikji Memory of the World Prize, awarded every two years to projects contributing to preservation of documentary heritage.
3. Rare Survival
Unfortunately, only the second volume of Jikji survives today, housed in the National Library of France (BnF).
This makes it both precious and irreplaceable.
Jikji’s Legacy and Global Impact
Printing Revolution: Jikji’s use of metal movable type demonstrates Korea’s early mastery of printing.
Cultural Exchange: It challenges the Eurocentric narrative of printing history, highlighting Asia’s contributions.
Inspiration: Scholars and preservationists around the world continue to study Jikji as a symbol of human innovation.
Conclusion: A Book That Changed History
Jikji is not just an old Buddhist text—it is the first known metal-printed book in human history. Created in 1377, it stands nearly a century ahead of Gutenberg’s press.
As a UNESCO Memory of the World, Jikji reminds us that the roots of human knowledge-sharing extend far beyond Europe. It is a story of innovation, culture, and global heritage.
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