Seoul National University takes pride in being home to Kyujanggak, the royal library of the Joseon Dynasty. Kyujanggak was established in 1776 by King Jeongjo (r. 1776-1800) to archive personal writings by kings as well as the royal members. However, it took on several additional functions throughout history such as education and publishing. Following liberation in 1945, Kyujanggak was transferred to Seoul National University, and the Kyujanggak Institute for Korean Studies was established. The institute plays a central role in the field of Korean Studies by preserving and studying a collection of books from the Joseon Dynasty and publishing related material. Each year, the institution holds a special exhibition on a theme of academic and public significance in relation to its collection and the subject of Korean studies.

Poster of the exhibition

This year, the exhibition titled “Embracing the Knowledge of the World,” recreates the efforts of Joseon people to use books as windows to the world and opportunities for growth. King Jeongjo emphasised that nothing compares to books when it comes to breaking away from antiquated knowledge and fostering new ways of thinking. Future generations sustained King Jeongjo’s commitment, and made great efforts to connect with the outside world and introduce new ideas in spite of resistance to change.

This exhibition therefore displays a collection of significant books and documents that were studied during the Joseon Dynasty to gain academic, political, philosophical, and cultural knowledge of other nations and improve the quality of life. The exhibition is divided into six sections – Kyujanggak, a Repository of Knowledge; Essence of Scholarship; Unfolding the World; Measuring Time and Space; Savored with Eyes and Ears; Window to the Modern World – which indicate the different areas of knowledge acquired through these books.

Books and documents on display at the exhibition

For example, the “Measuring Time and Space” displays “Ore suri jeong on” (어제수리정온) - a book containing Western and Chinese Scientific and Mathematical theories - which Joseon mathematicians studied to broaden their knowledge in this academic field.

Ore suri jeong on (어제수리정온)

Furthermore, the “Window to the Modern World” section presents “Yeok Ram Ki Ryak” (역람기략), a book containing information about the history and development of factories in London after the Industrial Revolution. In a period where there was a lack of information about factories in the modern era, Joseon factory owners studied this report as guidance on how to develop factories and machinery.

Yeok Ram Ki Ryak (역람기략)

Such documents and historic books that enabled the Joseon society to assimilate and absorb new knowledge and culture from the outside world are displayed in this exhibition. Thus, the exhibition is an opportunity to reflect on the journey of Korea’s development from an isolated nation in the 17th century to the global country it has become today.

Exhibition hall

The “Kyujanggak: Embracing the Knowledge of the World” exhibition is held at the Kyujanggak (Bldg. 103) Exhibition Room (B1), from October 16, 2015 until January 16, 2016. Kyujanggak is located opposite the College of Social Sciences and the College of Law, next to the Doore Culture Center. The Exhibition Hall is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 to 17:30, and admission is free. Guided tours are available in English and Korean, five times a day (10:00, 11:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00), starting from groups of five people. Reservation through the website is required.

Written by Hye Bin Lee, SNU English Editor, hahahybes@snu.ac.kr
Reviewed by Eli Park Sorensen, SNU Professor of Liberal Studies, eps7257@snu.ac.kr