Kyujanggak

Kyujanggak is the Royal Library of the Joseon Dynasty, established in 1776 by King Jeongjo. Its primary purpose was to collect, preserve, and organize the nation's historical records, literature, and scholarly works. Located within the Changdeok Palace complex in Seoul, it served as a vital repository for the intellectual heritage of Korea. The collection included a vast array of materials, such as royal decrees, historical annals, philosophical texts, scientific treatises, and artistic creations.

Over its history, Kyujanggak underwent several relocations and expansions. It was not only a library but also a center for scholarly research and royal administration. Scholars were often commissioned to study and compile texts within its walls. Following the fall of the Joseon Dynasty in 1910, the collection was transferred to the Japanese Government-General of Chōsen. After Korea's liberation, the materials were entrusted to Seoul National University.

Today, the Kyujanggak collection, often referred to as Kyujanggak Institute for Korean Studies at Seoul National University, remains one of the most significant archives of Korean history and culture. It houses numerous National Treasures and Treasures of Korea, offering invaluable resources for scholars and researchers worldwide. The institute continues its mission of preserving these historical assets and promoting their study.