‘Samguk Sagi’ to be designated as national treasure

The “Samguk Sagi” (History of the Three Kingdoms), a repository of Korea’s ancient history and the oldest surviving chronicle of Korean history, will be designated as national treasure. One book of “Samguk Yusa” (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms), which was owned by the late Yonsei University Professor Sohn Po-kee (1922-2010), a pioneer in prehistoric archaeology of Korea, will also be promoted in status to national treasure.

The Cultural Heritage Administration said Thursday that it will elevate the status of two books of Samguk Sagi and one of Samguk Yusa to national treasure. This is the first time that a scroll of Samguk Sagi is designated as a national treasure. Two books of Samguk Yusa have already been designated as national treasures.

Samguk Sagi is arguably the oldest chronicle of Korean history covering the history of three kingdoms and was compiled by Kim Bu-sik (1075-1151) in 1145. The Treasure 525, which will be elevated in status as national treasure this time, is a copy printed in Gyeongju in 1573 (The 6th year of King Seonjo) and sent to Oksanseowon lecture hall. It is a combination of the original edition written in the Goryeo Dynasty and a version reprinted in early Joseon Dynasty.

Sang-Un Kim sukim@donga.com