Three Items Designated This Year...
Yeongju's Cultural Heritage Value Revisited
Yeongju City, North Gyeongsang Province, announced on April 22 that a total of 82 items from the 'Yeongju Sosuseowon Old Documents Collection' and 2 items from the 'Yeongju Jeminru Old Documents Collection' have recently been designated as Tangible Cultural Heritage by North Gyeongsang Province.
‘Yeongju Sosuseowon Old Documents Collection’, ‘Yeongju Jeminru Old Documents Collection’. Provided by Yeongju City
The Sosuseowon old documents designated this time are comprehensive records containing the core content of the history of Korean seowon (Confucian academies), and are highly valued for their historical significance, reflecting the status and symbolism of Sosuseowon. In particular, this cultural heritage designation is especially meaningful as it represents official recognition of the documentary importance and academic significance of Sosuseowon.
These old documents contain detailed records of the early organizational structure of Sosuseowon, the qualifications for membership, the form of education, and methods of operation. Notably, 'Dodonggok,' a ritual text, is the only known example containing lyrics related to Anhyan, the honoree of the rituals, making it a subject of particular attention. The collection also includes 'Simwonrok,' which records visitors to the seowon, and 'Japrok,' which documents the overall history of the academy, all of which are considered to have tremendous historical value.
Jeminru was a local public medical institution established in the early 15th century, serving multiple functions as a local shrine, school, and clinic until the mid-16th century. Old documents related to local medical facilities from the Joseon Dynasty are extremely rare, and the Jeminru documents have been recognized as valuable materials that shed light on the realities of medical administration at the time.
The designated document 'Uiguknobian' contains information about the slaves affiliated with Jeminru, while 'Uiwonjabmuljil' includes inventories of medical equipment, operational documents, and medical books in the institution's possession. These materials are highly valued as important resources illuminating the actual conditions and operational environment of regional medical institutions of the era.
Lee Jaehun, Acting Mayor, stated, "This year alone, three items, including the 'Buseoksa Josadang Wooden Statue of Uisangdaesa,' the 'Yeongju Sosuseowon Old Documents Collection,' and the 'Yeongju Jeminru Old Documents Collection,' have been designated as Tangible Cultural Heritage by North Gyeongsang Province, once again confirming Yeongju City's cultural stature." He added, "We will continue to systematically preserve our precious cultural heritage and develop various utilization plans so that both citizens and tourists can enjoy them together."
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