Gabinja Edition: A Masterpiece of Early Joseon Metal Type and Papermaking Technology
The Only Publicly Verifiable Copy, Maximizing Rarity and Research Value
Keimyung University (President Shin Ilhee) announced that the Dongsan Library’s copy (Volume 3) of the Gabinja edition of the “Lotus Sutra” (Myobeop Yeonhwa-gyeong) has been designated as a national cultural heritage “Treasure” on December 24.
This rare Buddhist scripture, published under royal commission during the reign of King Sejong of the Joseon Dynasty, has now been officially recognized for its historical value in printing and papermaking technology as well as its significance in Buddhist history.
◆ The Culmination of King Sejong’s Filial Piety and Joseon’s Technological Excellence
The “Lotus Sutra,” also known as “Beophwagyeong,” is the foundational scripture of the Cheontae Order and one of the most widely circulated Buddhist texts in Korean Buddhism.
The Keimyung University copy, newly designated as a Treasure, was published in February 1450 (the 32nd year of King Sejong’s reign) by royal order, as King Sejong prayed for the recovery of Crown Prince Munjong from illness.
This edition was printed using the era’s finest metal movable type, the “Gabinja,” and only 33 limited copies were produced using “Waejeoji,” a special Japanese mulberry paper.
Notably, this is the very first edition in the Gabinja series, which became the standard for Buddhist scripture publication in the early Joseon period, as it was re-carved more than 40 times at temples nationwide, giving it great historical significance.
◆ The Only Publicly Available Copy-Exceptional Rarity
The Gabinja edition of the Lotus Sutra is an extremely rare work, with no complete set of all seven volumes known to exist.
Although some volumes are believed to be held in private collections, their whereabouts remain unclear. The Keimyung University copy (Volume 3), newly designated as a Treasure, is the only edition whose physical existence can be publicly verified.
Cultural heritage authorities noted that this artifact received high marks for its preservation-maintaining the original cover and text from the time of publication; for its rarity, as it matches historical records and is printed on Waejeoji; and for its academic value, including annotations and glosses that provide insight into Buddhist study methods of the period.
◆ Keimyung University Dongsan Library Solidifies Its Status as the Private University with the Most Treasures
With this new designation, Dongsan Library at Keimyung University now holds a total of 98 volumes in 24 categories of Treasures, including the first edition of “Yongbieocheonga.”
This is the largest collection among private university libraries nationwide, and is seen as the result of Dongsan Library’s systematic efforts to collect neglected classical texts since the 1960s.
Oh Donggeun, Director of Dongsan Library and Professor of Library and Information Science, stated, “This Treasure designation once again proves the excellence of our library’s rare book collection,” and added, “We will make this artifact available to the public through our library website, and will continue to devote ourselves to discovering and researching the preservation of valuable cultural heritage.”
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