1632 Pieces of Insadong Metal Type to Be Publicly Exhibited for the First Time Next Month

National Palace Museum Showcases Artifacts Excavated from Gongpyeong District Until December 31

On June of last year, 1,632 pieces of early Joseon Dynasty metal movable type discovered near Tapgol Park in Jongno-gu will be publicly exhibited for the first time on the 3rd of next month. According to the National Assembly Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee's audit report submitted on the 5th, the National Palace Museum will hold an exhibition until December 31, showcasing 1,755 artifacts unearthed from the Gongpyeong area in Seoul.

The exhibition also includes about 1,000 Chinese character types and 600 Hangul types excavated from the Insadong 79 site, an urban environment improvement project area. These artifacts are estimated to have been produced in the 15th to 16th centuries, during the reigns of Sejong to Jungjong. This is the first case where early Joseon metal movable types have been discovered all at once, attracting significant attention. Some are said to have been made around or even earlier than the time when Gutenberg developed the first Western metal movable type and printing technology in the 1440s. The Chinese character types are named after the sexagenary cycle year in which they were made. The ones found at the time are believed to be Gapinja (甲寅字) made in 1434, Eulhaeja (乙亥字) produced in 1455, and Eulyuja (乙酉字) from 1465. Based on font style and size, some are even suggested to possibly be Gyeongjaja (庚子字) from around 1420.

In addition to the metal movable types, the exhibition will display parts of the early Joseon astronomical clock 'Ilseong Jeongsigi (日星定時儀)', copper items believed to be parts of the water clock accessory 'Jujeon (籌箭)', cannons called 'Jongtong (銃筒)', bronze bells, and jars that contained artifacts. To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Gyeongbokgung Palace academic excavation, the National Palace Museum will also hold an exhibition in December showcasing artifacts excavated from Gyeongbokgung Palace along with preservation and restoration materials.